Mumbai T20 League: Fitness trainer drafted into Triumph Knights

There have been several instances when players from different professions have plied their trade on the cricket field, Shane Bond (policeman), Dwayne Leverock (policeman) and Kyle McCallan (teacher) are some examples. Most recently, the auction for the inaugural season of the Mumbai T20 league was staged where a fitness trainer was drafted in by a franchise.

Pratik Dabholkar who has previously worked with the Puneri Paltan team in the Pro Kabaddi league has been bagged by the Triumph Knights for INR 2,60,000. The 26-year old has also been honing his skills at Zaheer Khan’s, the former Indian pacer, fitness centers for the last three years. He was also a part of the Mumbai Ranji squad for their contest against Gujarat back in 2012, however, didn’t find a place in the XI.

Dabholkar’s aim to get wickets

Dabholkar, recently, spoke to the media regarding his focus surrounding the upcoming T20 league. “I got picked [at the auction] as a fast bowler, so my main aim is to get wickets and help my team win matches. Though there is a fitness trainer with the team, I will also help our players as a fitness trainer to bring the best out of them,” he said.

He also highlighted the significance of staying fit bearing in mind the rigors of the shortest format of the game. “Being a fast bowler, I have a fair idea of fitness and the importance of physical training. My stint in kabaddi was a good experience. It is a contact sport, played with high intensity so chances of injuries are greater.” The fast-bowler added.

The Mumbai T20 League kicks off today with the contest between Triumph Knights and Sobo Supersonics at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The event has been inaugurated by former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and it will be interesting to see how the event performs in its opening season.