NEW DELHI, Dec 4 (UNI): Opining that swing bowler Irfan Pathan isthe fittest member of the Indian cricket squad, team physiotherapistAndrew Leipus said some members are not eager to work on theirfitness.
Talking about Irfan, Leipus said,"He is the overall fittest member in the side.
In fact, sometomes he overdoes things and me 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.
However, hinting that he was not satisfied with some teammembers, Leipus said, "While Irfan is over enthusiastic, there are guys who need to be pushed to work on their fitness." Clarifying his remark, Leipus said,"Everybody has some strength 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 said, "Of course the Indian players go ga ga 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."
