Chennai, June 20: Indian cricket team’s left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh acknowledged the physical toll the heat took on players during the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow. Ahead of the third and final match of the series, all players tailored their training to meet their individual needs.
Speaking to broadcasters at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Arshdeep stated, “Preparation had already begun before the series. As a team, we followed our processes diligently. We also had to take care of our bodies. The last match affected us physically.”
He added, “The heat and humidity were intense, and we knew it would be hot during practice as well. Therefore, we took good care of our bodies. Some players came, some did not, some recovered, and some trained. Everyone trained according to their needs.”
Arshdeep credited the backroom staff for keeping players ready despite the challenging weather. “A lot of credit goes to the sports science team and how the physios and trainers help us prepare for the game,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of hydration, saying, “We try to stay hydrated before the game. If you start hydrating during the game, it’s already too late. So, you need to begin this a day before the game, recover well, get massages, do priming sessions, and then you are ready for the game.”
In the first match against Afghanistan, Arshdeep took 2 wickets for 27 runs. He followed this up with a performance of 3 wickets for 45 runs in the next match. However, he will not participate in the final ODI against Afghanistan as he is set to join the T20 tours to Ireland and England.
“I am currently enjoying my bowling. Whether on the field or off it, I am just having fun, and the ball is coming out well from my hand. I am also trying to focus more on my yorkers, as the upcoming series will be in the T20 format. Therefore, I want to perform well in the death overs and take as many wickets as possible,” Arshdeep concluded.
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