Now Reading: Hyderabad cricketers face fitness push ahead of Ranji season
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Hyderabad cricketers face fitness push ahead of Ranji season
The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has launched fitness assessments and camps for all age groups, including the senior men's team, as the domestic season approaches. The Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season begins on October 11, and the current camp runs from August 15 to August 31.
HCA is emphasising fitness as a non-negotiable requirement for modern cricket, with players increasingly hiring personal trainers. Former first-class cricketer Kaneshkk Naidu, who trains several Hyderabad players, said fitness is now a key ingredient for survival across three formats.
Hyderabad fast bowler CV Milind said proper strength and conditioning helped him play all matches in the 2023-24 season after suffering regular injuries three years ago. The camp aims to prepare players for the demands of the upcoming season.
Indian Opinion Analysis
HCA's fitness-first push reflects a broader shift in Indian domestic cricket after the BCCI introduced mandatory yo-yo test standards in 2017 and dexterity tests for centrally contracted players. The Ranji Trophy season, India's premier first-class competition, runs from October to March and involves 38 teams playing across Elite and Plate groups. For Hyderabad, which has not won the Ranji Trophy since 1987-88, building a fitter squad could improve their chances in a crowded field where multiple teams now employ professional fitness coaches. The camp's results will be measured when players face fitness tests before the season opener.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
