No cricket for one year is huge loss: Arup Das

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Last season BCCI wasn't able to host the Ranji Trophy championship because of COVID-19 pandemic. The situation is yet to turn normal. However Assam pacer Arup Das, who took 217 wickets in first class cricket, is utilizing the partial lockdown fully to maintain his fitness level. In a conversation with The Sentinel Arup shared his views on present situation from a player's point of view and his daily routine. Here is the excerpt

The Sentinel (TS): For the second consecutive year, lock down due to COVID-19 pandemic stopped all sports activities. Being a sportsperson a little bit upset !

Arup: To some extent yes. Although we can't avoid the lock down as it was necessary to get control over the COVID-19 pandemic. But I feel it has broken the rhythm of players and many sports persons would need a long time to reach their earlier form.

TS: This time the lockdown was partial. So perhaps you are able to follow the daily routine of fitness.

Arup: It's right. Although there is no chance to bowl into the net, I am trying my best to maintain my fitness level through regular fitness training.

TS: Share your daily routine…

Arup: We have a small team of players which included me, Krishna Das and others who represented different state squads from Barpeta districts. We are undergoing fitness training under Bidyut Talukdar, a reputed trainer of ACA. Gym is also part of our daily schedule.

TS: Do you agree that batsmen suffer more than bowlers in this type of situation?

Arup: I agree. A bowler can practice individually in the net but it is not the same for the batsmen. To maintain consistency they need to face bowlers in the net on a regular basis.

TS: You have already lost one year because of COVID-19 pandemic…

Arup: It's true. From the players point of view it's a big loss. I have targeted to take at least 300 wickets in first class cricket before I hang my boots. At present I have picked up 217 first class wickets. I could easily take the tally to 250 plus if I could get the chance to play in last season which didn't happen. Hope the situation will be better this time.

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