TNFSukh Kakkar/ TNF
Ravi was a young and talented fast bowler. He loved the thrill of running in, the ball swinging in the air, and the sound of the stumps rattling. But after a few months of continuous cricket, he started feeling pain in his shoulder and knees. He ignored it at first, thinking it was normal. But soon, the pain became worse, and he found it difficult to bowl at his full speed.
One day, during a crucial match, Ravi felt a sharp pain in his back after delivering a ball. He fell to the ground, unable to stand. His coach and teammates rushed to him. The physiotherapist checked him and said, “You need rest, Ravi. Your body is overworked, and you haven’t been taking care of yourself.”
Ravi was heartbroken. He had to stay away from cricket for months to recover. During this time, he learned valuable lessons about injury prevention for bowlers.
Lesson 1: Warm-Up is a Must
Ravi realized that he had often skipped warm-up exercises before bowling. His coach told him, “A good warm-up prepares your muscles and joints. It reduces the risk of injury.” From then on, Ravi made sure to do stretching and light jogging before every session.
Lesson 2: Proper Bowling Action
The physiotherapist pointed out that Ravi’s bowling action put too much stress on his back. “A smooth and balanced action is important,” he said. Ravi worked with his coach to correct his posture and reduce strain on his body.
Lesson 3: Strength and Fitness
Ravi started doing strength training exercises. His coach made him do squats, lunges, and core exercises to strengthen his legs and back. “Strong muscles protect your joints,” the coach explained.
Lesson 4: Rest and Recovery
Before his injury, Ravi bowled for hours without proper rest. Now, he learned that over-bowling can damage muscles and joints. He followed a routine where he took regular breaks and allowed his body to recover.
Lesson 5: Hydration and Diet
Ravi also learned that drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet helped his muscles stay strong. He started eating more protein-rich food, fruits, and vegetables.
Back on the Field
After months of rest, recovery, and training, Ravi returned to the cricket field. This time, he was stronger and smarter. He bowled with the same passion but with more care for his body. He never skipped warm-ups, followed the right action, stayed fit, and gave his body enough rest.
Because of these small but important changes, Ravi continued playing cricket for many years without any major injuries. He became an inspiration for other young bowlers, teaching them how to stay safe while playing the game they loved.
The lesson? If you take care of your body, your body will take care of your game.
