Players' fitness level impresses Daga

They will have to be, what with the Indians doing battle with teams from Australia, South Africa and New Zealand in the Emerging Players’ tournament in Australia next week.

After an outdoor ‘net’ and fielding session in the morning, the players retired indoors on Sunday afternoon, pumping iron in the gym, as has become fashionable these days. Team physio Vaibhav Daga, grateful for the presence on the tour of Australia of a trainer in Ramji Srinivasan, gave the boys the thumbs-up.

“I am happy with the fitness levels,” Daga observed. “Considering they are coming in after a long season including IPL II, they have had a lot of physical stress but they seem fine. There are no major injury worries. There are a few niggles here and there, but that’s part of any sportsman’s life.

“When I was with the squad last year, I had to almost perform the twin roles of physio and trainer. Now, with Ramji coming in, I have a clear-cut role to focus on keeping the players fresh and fit for the packed schedule ahead and also in terms of injury management. It is a tough tournament, physically demanding,” added Daga.

Skipper S Badrinath was conspicuous by his absence for a second day running, having been granted permission to skip day two as well -- he will be united with his side on Monday -- while the trio of M Vijay, R Ashwin and Pankaj Singh joined the camp on day two. After three more days of the grind, the team will leave for Brisbane via Mumbai.

DH News Service