RN: Basu, you worked with the Indian team for 4 years between 2015-2019 and have been involved with Royal Challengers Bangalore for over a decade now. During this time, we have seen fitness & fielding levels in Indian cricket drastically improve. What are some of the biggest changes that have led to this?
BS: I think the biggest reason was Virat Kohli’s leadership and his vision to change the way the Indian team played cricket overseas. Mr. Ravi Shastri who was the head coach at that time was a big supporter of this quest and it made my job easier.
Fitness was certainly the key element and since we had worked together previously, there was a level of comfort. We prepared a blueprint to put this plan across to the rest of the group. So right from a warm up, to strength training, fitness testing, GPS, Dexa scans, everything was reiterated with a renewed vigour and slowly the vision started panning out in reality. So, I would say it was a 4-step method coming to light: VISION, TEAM BUYING IN, PROCESS and PERFORMANCE.

RN: As a strength & conditioning coach & former Asian Games medallist, do you think young kids should be encouraged to be multi-sport athletes or should they start specialising in one sport early? What are the pros & cons?
BS: I always espouse the theory that young kids should be exposed to multiple sports upto at least 12 or 13 years of age and if possible have a stint in track & field as well. Early specialisation is definitely not a good ideal. It may have worked for some but by and large the late bloomers go a long way as they have exposed themselves to a variety of physical environments as they grow up.

RN: What are some exercises young cricketers can add to their programs even during the pre-teen phase to develop their athletic ability?
BS: I would say all types of ABC drills like sprinters do, base jumping exercises and acceleration stuff in a fun manner. When I say jumping around, I do not mean serious plyometric work yet.

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