Why is Maintaining Fitness Key for Cricketers, According to Ravi Bishnoi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Maintaining fitness is essential for modern cricketers.
- Structured meal plans aid in performance improvement.
- Fitness initiatives can prevent health issues.
- Targeted training is crucial for specific roles in cricket.
- Flexibility is as important as strength for spin bowlers.
New Delhi, July 19 (NationPress) Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi emphasized that with the escalating intensity and demands of contemporary cricket, it is crucial for athletes to sustain optimal physical fitness year-round.
In his 42 T20I appearances for India, Bishnoi has taken 61 wickets and has one wicket from his lone ODI match. He last played during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where he managed to secure just nine wickets across 11 matches for the Lucknow Super Giants.
“Fitness has become a major focus now, given the heightened demands of the sport. The pace of the game has accelerated; in T20 matches, we can’t wrap up a game in 90 minutes, so maintaining fitness is vital for competing at that level,” he stated.
“For the average person, fitness is essential, and adhering to a fitness regimen can lead to significant improvements in their lives. However, for athletes, the scenario is entirely different,” Bishnoi shared in a candid interview with IANS at the PUMA x HYROX event on Saturday.
Discussing this fitness initiative in the capital, Bishnoi remarked, “It’s an excellent program aimed at raising awareness about basic fitness. This can assist individuals in averting common health problems, thus minimizing hospital visits. It's more beneficial to invest time in fitness activities on the track and field.”
As a participant in all three formats for Gujarat in domestic cricket, Bishnoi also highlighted the significance of well-structured meal plans and professional advice in maintaining his fitness routine.
“We have a dietitian who has crafted a dietary plan for us, and we adhere to this regimen strictly. We aim to avoid any deviations in our diet, which enhances our fitness and subsequently our performance,” he explained.
As a dedicated leg-spinner, Bishnoi shared that his fitness routine includes focused training for shoulder strength and flexibility, which are vital for mastering his leg-break and googly deliveries, particularly as he vies for a spot in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka.
“We engage in shoulder and wrist workouts, but we prioritize shoulder exercises since a lot of our spin relies on that. We strive to maintain strong and flexible shoulders. For a spin bowler, flexibility is crucial; it’s not about bulking up the shoulders and expecting to spin the ball effectively,” he concluded.