Murali Kartik the under-utilized but hugely talented India player is still around. The national selectors have forgotten him but he still plies his trade in Ranji Trophy, Indian Premier League and County cricket, where he is much in demand. All this has been possible because Kartik through out his almost 20-year-old career has laid emphasis on fitness. He may not be known as the best athlete in the game but Kartik is regular with his weight training, jogging and running. He was in Delhi recently at the Jamia Millia Islamia grounds as part of the Toyota University Cricket Championship. He was here as a coach where he happily talked about his fitness regimen. “I do exercises, running and some weight training at least 4-5 days a week. Let me tell you one thing that weight training is done only to get the needed power and not gain big muscles.”
All this is for non-match days. During match days he does a lighter work out. “On match days I prefer doing light exercises and stretches in order to not get tired for the match.” He goes on to tell the participants to completely avoid fried food. “I am a pure vegetarian. I completely avoid fried food. All those people who say that you can take an extra round of the ground and burn calories are misleading people.”
On the ground he was seen helping the players get in shape and learn the finer tricks of the game. He took to the nets and gave some important tips and boosted their confidence. He was of a great help specially to the bowlers whom he taught how and where to bowl in different stages of the game. The youngsters had a very good day with him. Summing up he says, “Tiring problem is delayed if you are fit.” He is, well, in good shape.
