The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Some reluctant to work on fitness: Leipus

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 05, 2004

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Some reluctant to work on fitness: Leipus

NEW DELHI, DEC. 4 . Opining that swing bowler Irfan Pathan is the fittest member of the Indian cricket squad, team physiotherapist Andrew Leipus said some members are not eager to work on their fitness.

Talking about Irfan, Leipus said, "he is the overall fittest member in the side. In fact, some times he overdoes things and I or (trainer) Gregory King have to hold him back. Kaifi (Mohammed Kaif) comes a close second and is equally energetic about fitness," he said. "He, however, is the quickest off the mark, always."

Leipus, however, was careful not to name anyone when asked who was the laggard in the side when it came to fitness.

"While Irfan is over enthusiastic, there are guys who need to be pushed to work on their fitness."

Clarifying his remark Leipus said, "everybody have some strengths and weaknesses when it comes to fitness. Nobody is an exception and everyone needs to work on those areas. I tried to introduce a scientific health regime when I took over in 1999 and had immense support from Adrian Le Roux and Gregory King that made it possible," he said.

Leipus also admitted that it was difficult to keep the Indian cricketers away from sweets and desserts. Revealing what goes inside the dressing room, the Australian said, "of course, the Indian players go gaga over sweets and desserts. But we have to ensure that they don't succumb to the lure at the cost of their fitness. We try to make sure they don't get those things and instead keep fresh fruits around." — UNI