Leipus comes down on Indian players

The South African physio of the Indian team Andrew Leipus, has submitted his report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India regarding the physical condition of the players during the recent Test and Triangular series played in Australia. His report makes it clear that he really does not want to antagonise the Indian cricketers by harsh comments.

In his report, Leipus clearly states that the ``Indians are a bit hesitant about workouts and physical conditioning. However, it seems that they learnt about their problems during the Australian tour and I feel that they would try to do away their deficiencies.''

He also states that he has informed the team management that he will be very strict as far physical conditioning is concerned in the future and that he would not tolerate any indisciplined attitude.

Leipus has also advised the BCCI on certain issues. Amongst them are (a) The team should be kept in hotels which have a hot water swimming pool and a modern gymnasium; (b) A long term conditioning camp is necessary before the start of a lengthy tour. It may be added here that some of the hotels where the Indian team stayed in Australia did not have a swimming pool and a gymnasium. He has also advised the Board that the decision of the fitness of a cricketer should be left in the hands of one person. The decision should be taken by either the physio, or the coach or the cricketer himself.

In his report, Leipus has also stated the injuries that some of the current players have at this moment. The list of injured players are: Sachin Tendulkar (hamstring and lower back), Saurav Ganguly and Javagal Srinath (knees), Jacob Martin (left knee), Anil Kumble (right thigh), Rahul Dravid (right knee), VVS Laxman (a specialist in Perth has pointed out that he has a slight crack on his left knee) and Ajit Agarkar (hamstring).

Leipus has also advocated that India should have two wicket-keepers during a long tour.