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Gone are the days when fast bowlers could take a breather at deep fine leg after their bowling spell, or when fielders could stick out their boot to stop the ball near the boundary.
The importance of fitness has caught up with cricket, and the demands of being a multi-format sport have made it mandatory for players to be in their best shape, readying them to put in the hard yards.
Fitness has become an essential tool that helps players control not only their body but also the mind, enabling them to put it to better use when they are under pressure. Every squad has a whole team of fitness trainers, and teams have realized the importance of needing to keep the players fit and sharp at all times.
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In this article, we take a look at the fittest players in the world today, players who have raised the benchmark and continue to push the boundaries.
10. David Warner
At 33, David Warner has shown no signs of slowing down. A few years back, he hired a personal trainer to put him through the grind, and the results have reflected on the field. He is, perhaps, the best runner between the wickets, and his rapid movements on the field are testament to his fitness.
9. Shan Masood
The left-hander from Pakistan has worked very hard on his fitness and is considered to be the fittest player in Pakistan cricket. However, he has not been able to translate his fitness into consistent runs as an opener, but there are no debates over his ability to be sharp on the field.
8. Mushfiqur Rahim
Not many people give this diminutive batsman from Bangladesh credit for shouldering the responsibilities of the side, but Mushfiqur Rahim has been a consistent performer for the side. He is certainly one of the fittest players in the country and his ability to bat for long hours and then take the gloves in limited overs cricket is a testament to his super fitness levels.
7. Trent Boult
Fast-bowlers are not considered to be fit and nimble footed. Well, Trent Boult has certainly tossed this notion aside. He is a dynamic fielder and has taken a number of remarkable catches in different positions. His fitness level allows him to bowl long spells, which puts a lot of pressure on the batsmen.
6. Pat Cummins
Another fast-bowler who has bounced back from injury to take the cricketing world by storm is Pat Cummins. He was sidelined for a long time owing to an injury when he started his career, but he remodeled his action, worked hard on his fitness and is now the No.1 bowler in the Test format. Given his terrific fitness, Cummins is also an asset on the field at any position.
5. Ben Stokes
In the recent past, Ben Stokes has emerged as one of the best all-rounders in the game. His match-winning abilities with bat, ball and on the field are more than just talent. He has worked extremely hard on his fitness, which gives him the ability to stay in the zone for a longer period of time. It's no surprise why he is regarded as one of the best cricketers of this generation, given his ability to produce jaw-dropping moments on the field more often than not.
4. Glenn Maxwell
The Australian all-rounder is another player who tends to make things happen when he is on the field - be it with the bat or on the field. He is a supreme athlete who loves to put in the hard yards, and his ability to easily put his body on the line makes him a valuable part of any team. Apart from his game-changing abilities with the bat, his direct hits from the deep or herculean catches have turned matches on their heads.
3. Ravindra Jadeja
Many consider Ravindra Jadeja to be the best fielder of the modern generation. He has transformed himself into an all-format player for India and often enthralls fans with some acrobatic moments on the field. Rapid across the turf, his speed is something that leaves even the best stranded and finding themselves walking back to the pavilion.
2. Jonny Bairstow
As per reports, the Yorkshireman has a Yo-Yo test score of 21.8. His score is an underlining factor of his fitness, which is almost always an indication of how he goes about his cricket. A swift runner between wickets, he is brilliant even on the field while not keeping, and has taken quite a few spectacular catches. One of the best openers in limited-overs cricket, much of Bairstow's success can be attributed to his fitness.
1. Virat Kohli
As far as prioritizing the fitness regimen is concerned, Indian captain Virat Kohli has been heralded for transforming the Indian team through fitness methods. He leads by example, trains like a man possessed and this has been passed on to the team. As someone who is very particular about his diet and training, Kohli is certainly the fittest cricketer in the world right now.
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