Extended contracts for Leipus and King

Andrew Leipus and Gregory Allen King, the men most responsible for keeping India's cricketers fit, have been given contract extensions up to the ICC 2007 World Cup, according to a report in The Times of India. Their contracts, along with John Wright's, were due to expire in September. Wright's tenure was earlier extended till 2005.

"Fitness is a serious issue and it should be dealt with on a long-term basis," said Jagmohan Dalmiya, the president of the BCCI. "We want to ensure a fit Indian team when they take the field in the World Cup in the West Indies."

King and Leipus have been commended for their work on the Indian team, and it's not rare to hear the cricketers acknowledge their contributions. Rahul Dravid, whose physique has developed immensely due to a disciplined fitness regimen, publicly thanked the two after his match-winning knocks in Adelaide last year.

Just as importantly, besides handling the present national team, Leipus is involved with the National Cricket Academy. Fitness standards have improved there, ensuring that the future breed of Indian cricketers will be fitter than before.