BCCI launches 'work from home' for Indian cricketers during lockdown

The Indian cricketers are being monitored by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during this lockdown phase using an app on a daily basis. The app has been built to provide assistance to the players, coaches and support staff. They have been provided access to this app which has videos of individual and team performances, skill-specific duels and a database on the frequent causes of injuries, etc.

The aim of the app is to keep players physically and mentally fit. It has online training sessions, chat rooms and questionnaire along with a four-stage plan.

Arun Dhumal, the BCCI treasurer has explained the working of the app. “It’s a step-wise process that’s been put in place and the secretary (Jay Shah) is reviewing the progress on a daily basis,” BCCI treasurer told The Times of India. “What we’ve tried to do is divide this process into different phases. Aspects pertaining to the physical and mental health of our cricketers, professional assistance online, monitoring of diets, fitness sessions etc are being conducted on a daily basis.”

‘It is a rare opportunity to introspect’: Vikram Rathour

The Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour has been working each of the players individually. The fielding coach R Sridhar has also prepared some questionnaire to get appropriate feedback from the players. The batting coach has said that it is an opportunity to get insights. He also revealed that players are doing all the talking while he guides with suggestions.

“It’s a rare opportunity to introspect,” Rathour was quoted as saying by the English daily. “It is the players who are doing the talking. I’m trying to listen and work around the topics that are being brought up. We have an app. We’ve started to put videos in that app. Simple things about facing a certain kind of bowler or foot movement, any particular way a batsman has been getting out, what’s worked for him what hasn’t,” he explained.

Dhumal has further revealed that once the lockdown ends there will be outdoor training. Until then, he says there will be continuous assessment of the situation and how to work around things.

“When the situation permits, we will begin with skill-based training in local stadiums. We will keep reviewing the program dynamics subject to relaxation in lockdown norms so that when cricket resumes, they can return to the field,” he said.