Veteran Punjabi film actor Nirmal Rishi receives Padma Shri
New Delhi, November 13
Keeping in sync with skipper Virat Kohli’s uncompromising training regimen, the Indian cricketers are now undergoing DNA test that reveals the genetic fitness blueprint of an individual, raising the bar to a level hitherto unseen. The test helps a sportsman improve his speed, in burning fat, endurance, recovery and muscle-building.
It has been learnt that the BCCI has introduced the test on the recommendation of team trainer Shankar Basu so that a more comprehensive fitness programme for the national team can be chalked out.
The DNA test, or genetic fitness test, gives an idea on how 40-plus genes are related to a person’s fitness, health and nutrition. Each cricketer’s DNA data is then combined with the environmental data, which is the individual’s body weight and diet, for an all-round analysis.
“Yes, we have started the DNA test for the Indian cricket team for some time now. It is basically in line with the new fitness parameters, which have been set by the team management. The DNA test was first introduced in the NBA (basketball) and the NFL in the United States.
“It has proved to be extremely beneficial. For conducting each player’s test, the BCCI spends from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 which is a nominal amount,” a senior BCCI official said.
Earlier, the Indian cricket team would undergo “Skinfold test” for body fat measure percentage and then switched to the DEXA test. “Skinfold test was used primarily for a long time but it was found that results related to body fat percentage were not accurate enough. Then there was a switch to DEXA test…
“The DNA test is being done so the body’s needs are known to maintain a particular fat percentage,” the official said. As of now, the permissible body fat percentage limit for a senior team player is 23 per cent, which is standard for most international cricket teams, including Pakistan and New Zealand.
