Creating a Balanced Diet for Young Athletes

Nutrition is equally important for an athlete as training to craft skills and hitting gym to build muscles and strength. Diet plays even bigger role when an athlete is young and is growing. Just as a car needs gasoline to run, humans beings need food as fuel for energy. But athletes, who put in more efforts and indulge in intense activities during gym and matches, need more than just simple food to perform at their best. A balanced diet ensures athletes get the energy, nutrients, and hydration necessary to support sports journey.

Also Read: How Hydration Impacts Athletic Performance

Why Is a Balanced Diet Important for Young Athletes?

Aspiring young athletes burn more calories and need more energy during their growth. It’s important to plan a balanced diet that fulfill nutrient requirement. Here’s how a planned diet can help a young athlete:

  • Energy Requirement: Young children are more active and burn more calories during their daily activities. And if a child is into sports, he needs more energy to remain active. A balanced diet tailored to his needs can fulfill that requirement.
  • Muscle Growth and Repair: Protein helps in building and repairing muscles. As children go through growing phase, their muscle mass also changes. A diet rich in protein nutrient is a must for young athletes.
  • Bone Strength: The lack of nutrients like calcium and vitamin D can result in weak bones. That’s why young athletes must be given food that are rich in nutrients such as calcium and vitamins for developing strong bones.
  • Improved Performance: Balanced diet improves endurance, strength, and focus during games or practices.
  • Injury Prevention: If a children is given a proper well balanced diet, he is likely to develop immunity to a lot of diseases, or at least he will get recover more quickly from injuries.

Also Read: Top Nutrition Myths That Hurt Athlete Performance


Key Components of a Balanced Diet for Young Athletes

A balanced diet is not about eating something healthy or avoiding junk food, it’s also about including the right nutrients in the correct proportions. Here’s what to focus on:

1. Carbohydrates: This is the main energy source for a human body, especially for athletes doing intense activities. See carbohydrates as the main fuel for the body. The more an athlete does activities, the more carbs he needs.
Sources: Whole grains (brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa), fruits, vegetables.
Daily Intake: 50-60% of diet.

2. Proteins: Vital for muscle growth and recovery. Proteins are made up of amino acids which is used by body to build and repair muscles and bones. Body can also use protein as an energy source.
Good Sources: Lean meats (chicken, turkey), fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and tofu.
Daily Intake: Around 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

3. Fats: Together with Carbohydrates, Fats one of the main source of energy. They also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Good Sources: Avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish (like salmon).
Daily Intake: Fats should constitute about 20-30% of the total calorie intake.

4. Vitamins and Minerals: They are the main Building Blocks. They are also known as Micronutrients and are essential for bone health, immune support, and energy production.
Good Sources: Calcium and Vitamin D – Found in milk, cheese, yogurt, and cereals for bone strength.
Iron: Found in meats, spinach, and lentils.
Potassium and Magnesium: Found in bananas, nuts, and leafy greens.

5. Hydration: One of the biggest factor for maintaining peak performance. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and reduced focus.
Tips for Hydration: Drink water and consider drinks with electrolytes.

Also Read: Strength vs Endurance: How to Choose the Right Training Plan?


Designing a Diet Plan for Youth Athletes

Creating a diet plan for youth athletes could be challenging as everyone’s body is different and needs different components at a different proportion. That said, an average balanced diet should contain right proportion of carbs, protein, and fat with adequate hydration. In addition, timing of consuming food and rest are also significant factors.

1. Pre-Workout Meals: Should be low in fat and must be rich in carbohydrates. It should also contain moderate amount of protein
Examples: Banana. Peanut butter. Oatmeal.
Timing: Eat 1-3 hours before exercise.

2. During Exercise: If an athlete is doing an exercise that lasts longer than 60 minutes, he must keep his body hydrated.
Examples: An energy drink or an electrolyte-rich sports drink must be taken at regular inervals.

3. Post-Workout Recovery: Besides taking water or sports drinks, an athlete should also consume meals or snacks 30 minutes to 1 hour after exercise.
Examples: Chocolate milk. Greek yogurt. Honey. Milk, and fruits.


Sample Daily Diet Plan for Youth Athletes

Let’s take a look what the balanced diet for a young athlete might look like. This is just an example and every athlete should make his own diet chart plan:

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and whole-grain toast. A glass of milk or a fruit smoothie.
  • Mid-Morning Snack: A handful of almonds or a low-fat yogurt with fruit.
  • Lunch: Cereals. Roti with Paneer Burji. Rajma Chawal. Fish Curry. Chicken. Dahi Chawal. Plus Salads.
  • Afternoon Snack: A banana with a tablespoon of peanut butter.
  • Dinner: Quinoa khichdi. Soya chunks curry with multigrain roti. Plus Salads. Moong dal cheela with green chutney and curd

Final Thoughts

A balanced diet is more than just meeting calorie needs. It has to have every nutrient in right quantity that leads to an athlete performing at an optimum level. If an athlete can include whole, nutrient-dense foods and proper hydration with his training and gym activities, he can unlock his potential and can even enhance his performance. Always remember that food is the fuel you give to your body. Better quality of food means more energy for you.

Follow us on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.

How Hydration Impacts Athletic Performance

Fitness is the most important aspect of an athlete’s sports journey. Maintaining peak health is not a one-time effort, but an ever lasting process. Without proper healthy, even an athlete as talented as Kobe Bryant or Lionel Messi would struggle to make an impact on the field. Fitness is the first step and everything comes after that.

But there are many cornerstone of fitness. Hitting gym on a daily basis and maintaining a healthy diet are one of the many things that impact the overall health of an athlete. Hydration is also as important as gym and training. It plays a key role in body’s functions, including transporting nutrients to cells, getting rid of wastes, providing cushions to joints, keeping organs healthy, and maintaining body temperature.

Also Read: Top Nutrition Myths That Hurt Athlete Performance

xr:d:DAFerIqmowA:47,j:2466384611,t:23041018

How Hydration Impacts Athletic Performance

To understand the importance of water, it’s enough to highlight that the human body is composed of more than 60% water. It’s enough to suggest how important water is for the proper functioning of human body. Water not only regulates temperature, but also helps in transporting nutrients, and flushing out waste.

Also during exercise, body generates heat, leading to loss of water, including fluids and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. If the body doesn’t get replenished with liquid during this process, it can negatively impact strength, endurance, and focus. In extreme cases, lack of water, that is dehydration, can also lead to exhaustion, heatstroke, headache, fatigue, dizziness and several other health issues.

Also Read: Strength vs Endurance: How to Choose the Right Training Plan?


How an athlete can main optimum hydration level?

Keeping the body hydrated is the key to peak performance. To achieve this, there are some steps an athlete can take. Following are some hydration strategies:

  • Pre-Activity Hydration: Always keep in mind to maintain optimum hydration before an intense workout. To achieve this, consume 16-20 ounces of water 2-3 hours prior to exercise or workout to ensure that the body remains in a hydrated state.
  • Keep track on Fluid Intake During Activity: It’s not just about drinking before workout, but it’s equally important to give body fluid during workouts. The best way is to drink 5-8 ounces of water containing electrolytes or energy drinks every 10-20 minutes during exercise.
  • Drink in little quantity: It’s important to note that drinking in little sips at regular intervals is better than gulping down large quantity of water at once.
  • Post-Workout Rehydration: After an intense workout, replenish your body by taking sports energy drinks or any other liquid containing electrolytes to make for lost fluids. The quantity can depend on how intense the workout was the how much sweat an athlete lost. But normally, drinking 16-24 ounces of should be enough.
  • Make Your Own Hydration Plan: Every athlete is different. And so every athlete’s body needs nutrients in different quantity. If some plan is working out for one athlete, it might also harm another. So it’s better to make your own plan by factoring in elements such as body weight, sweat rate, and environmental conditions.
  • Check Urine Color: One effective way to examine your hydration level is to check your urine color. If it’s pale yellow, it means, you have good hydration, while dark yellow suggests you are suffering from dehydration.

Also Read: Top Agility and Speed Drills for Indian Athletes


What are the signs of Dehydration

Dehydration can cause severe health conditions such as stomach discomfort, problem in getting rid of wastes, dizziness and many others.

Common signs of dehydration are:

  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Dark urine
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fatigue
  • Reduced performance levels

How to track Hydration?

In today’s world, everyone looks so busy that it’s easy to forget about anything. But the positive side of moderns gadgets and phones is that they can help us monitor even the tiniest things. Amongst many moderns gadgets are hydration Tools;

  • Smart Water Bottles: Equipped with sensors to track fluid intake.
  • Sweat Tests: Determine individual sweat rate and composition to customize hydration plans.
  • Hydration Apps: Offer reminders and track daily water consumption.

Different sports means different fluid requirements

Elite athletes focuses on everything when it comes to maintain their peak physique. This includes the time to wake up in the morning, eating their first meal, giving their 100% even in training and then going to bed at specific time. Hydration also takes importance for them.

But every sport requires different hydration levels. For example, marathon runners consume a lot of energy during long distance running and loses a lot of sweat. That’s why hydration stations are placed throughout the running course.

Football players also loses significant amounts of sweat during matches, and depend on electrolyte-rich drinks to sustain energy and focus.

In cricket, there are drinks break at regular intervals so that players can replenish their bodies and maintain hydration levels.


Final Thoughts

Hydration often gets overlooked by some athletes, especially the young ones. An athlete’s performance depend not only on training and building muscles but also on how hydrated he keeps his body. But staying hydrated is not just about drinking water but maintaining a balance of fluids and electrolytes. So keep your hydration at the maximum level and watch your performance soar to new heights!

Follow us on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.

Top Nutrition Myths That Hurt Athlete Performance

There’s an old adage that says that you are what you eat. This simply means, in order to lead a healthy life, you have to eat healthy. No one can go about and indulge himself in all kinds of food and then can hope to remain in good shape, and without any issues. That’s not how a human’s body works.

Food determines the health. For athletes, the importance of food is far greater than a normal human being. The world of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Tom Brady and Novak Djokovic, to name a few, is far different than 99% of humans on this planet. They become what they are because of adding a perfect nutrition plan to their daily life, other than, of course, crafting their skills. These athletes are majestic beings, the standards that normal human being chases. To achieve a grandeur stature, these athletes follow a perfect nutrition plan, with every bite they take giving nutritional value to their bodies.

However, there are some widely held misinformation and myths about what athletes should or shouldn’t eat, especially amongst the aspiring Indian athletes. So let’s debunk these nutrition myths.

Also Read: Strength vs Endurance: How to Choose the Right Training Plan?

Athlete Nutrition Myths

Myth 1: Carbs Are the Enemy

One of the most common myths amongst many athletes is that carbohydrates are bad for body. There is a growing culture of having low-carb diets, while many other athletes avoid carbs altogether, believing it’ll help them maintain a lean physique. But carbohydrates are the main fuel for intense physical activities. Lack of fuel means, low energy for athletes and that mean, low performance on the field. This then becomes a loop.

Why consuming less carb can be harmful

Lack of carbs can lead to fatigue and subpar performance on the field. As mentioned above, carbs are like fuel for human body. These are especially important for athletes playing sports such as football and also in endurance sports like runners, cyclists, and swimmers.

Key Point: Include healthy carbs in your diet, but also focus on consuming complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. But also keep in mind that too much of anything can be wrong. So keep track on how much carbs are you consuming.

Also Read: Top Agility and Speed Drills for Indian Athletes


Myth 2: Protein Is the Only Nutrient That Matters

Protein is most glorified nutrient amongst body builders and athletes. Indeed, protein is essential for repairing and rebuilding the muscle, but there’s a growing tendency amongst athletes to overemphasize its importance to the extent that other nutrients gets neglected.

Why only Protein-Focused diet is bad?

Athletes focusing too much on protein are likely to miss out on other important components such as carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This could lead to less recovery less energy levels.

Key Point: The focus should be the balanced diet. Protein is important, for sure, but it should make up about 10-15% of your daily caloric intake. The balanced duet should also be complemented by healthy fats and carbohydrates.


Myth 3: Supplements Are Better Than Real Food

We see many adverts highlighting the importance of supplements which can be in any form such as capsules, powders and liquid. These days, athletes are drawn towards these kinds of supplements with the belief that they can replace a healthy diet.

Why too many supplements can be bad?

It’s true that the quality of food is not the same as it was in old times. That’s why athletes opt for supplements that can fill the nutritional gap. But relying solely on them can lead to imbalanced diet. Supplements can never replace nutrients value provided by natural foods such as vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars.

Key Point: Supplements should be seen only as a complementary diet. They can never be the substitute for the main food. Also, use supplements only when recommended by a nutritionist or healthcare professional.

Also Read: The Best Smart Gadgets For Tracking Your Athletic Progress


Myth 4: Fats are bad and should be avoided

Fat are considered demonic when it comes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In fact, many athletes, let alone the normal people, are of the opinion that fat makes them slow and can lead to weight gain.

Why opinions around fats are wrong?

Fat are source of energy. They provide cushions in joints, protects organs, and helps maintain healthy skin and hair.

Key Points: Fats are essential and should be consumed but keep in mind that not all fats are same. Trans and saturated fats should be avoided by athletes.


Myth 5: Hydration Is Only About Drinking Water

Athletes need to stay hydrated for peak performances. Proper hydration also helps an athlete in cooling down more effectively. It also lubricates joints, and aids the transport of oxygen.

How dehydration can harm an athlete?

If an athlete drink only water during intense activities, it can lead to lack of electrolytes, which can result in cramps and fatigue.

Key Points: Water alone can’t replenish the body after an intense activity. Sports drinks or a home-made soluble such as a mixture of lemon, sugar and some salt, and coconut water are good source of electrolyte. Consuming them can help replace lost nutrients.


Myth 6: Skipping Meals Helps Lose Weight

Skipping meals to lose weight is an evergreen phenomena amongst general public. In fact, some athletes also head to this road and skip meals when they try to shed some extra weight. Yes, it’s true that its all about the calorie you are taking and how much of it you are burning, but skipping meals can be counterproductive.

Why skipping meals is never a good idea?

Human body needs a certain amount of energy to function properly. When you avoid meals, your energy levels drop, which leads to loss of muscles, and inadequate recovery. For an athlete, the loss of muscles can never lead to good performance. Also, the loss of energy makes person sluggish with lower metabolism. In addition, skipping meals can often lead to an unavoidable urge to eat unhealthy food at some point.

Key Points: Don’t ever avoid meals, but rather have smaller meals if you are in the process of losing weight.


Myth 7: Eating Before a Workout Is Bad

Many athletes try to avoid eating before the match or before workout, thinking it might make them sluggish or can leave them with stomach discomfort. But the lack of food can leave the body bereft of energy needed for peak performance.

Why playing on an empty stomach can be a bad choice?

Playing or doing any form of workout or exercise on an empty stomach can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and reduced stamina. Food is the fuel for body and you can’t just hope to perform at the peak level without food. It’s like trying to drive a car without petrol.

Key Points: Though eating a heavy food before a match or exercise should be avoided, but an athlete should take small, easily digestible snacks that are high in carbohydrates and protein.


Final Thoughts

It’s difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle in today’s world when the food choices are endless. But one must learn to suppress cravings for unhealthy food such as pizza, burgers and any other food that an athlete should avoid. Also, learn to listen to your body and make your own diet plan accordingly.

In addition, avoid common diet mistakes that we highlighted above. Good nutrition is just as important as crafting skills.

Follow us on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.

Strength vs Endurance: How to Choose the Right Training Plan?

Fitness is a fascinating topic. People nowadays are quite concerned about their fitness and well-being, especially after what happened during the havoc COVID period. Now, people are willing to get fit and perform any measures required to attain fitness.

However, while embarking on a fitness journey, people usually get confused when addressing one concern: Should I focus on Strength or Endurance? While both trainings have immense potential and offer some breathtaking benefits, however, the choice depends on the goal you have set for your body. In this post, we will discuss this topic to provide you clarity over Strength vs Endurance: How to Choose the Right Training Plan?

Also Read: The Complete Guide To Nutrition And Recovery For Athletes

What is Strength Training?

First thing first, What is strength training?

Strength training mainly focuses on building muscle mass, improving muscle power, and increasing overall body strength. Strength training for athletes and non-athletes includes workouts like lifting weights using resistance bands, push-ups, pull-ups, etc.

What is Endurance Training?

Now, let’s understand what is endurance training. In this training, you enhance your body’s ability to do workouts or exercises over a longer duration of time. Endurance exercises include activities like swimming, cycling, rowing, etc. So basically, endurance training is all about making your body active and last long for workouts.

With the above explanations, it is clear that both strength and endurance training have their own significance. Now, let’s move ahead and discuss the benefits of Strength and Endurance.

Benefits of Strength Training

  • Strength training plays a major role in improving muscle mass and bone density. This is particularly necessary for athletes who are aging.
  • Strength training for athletes can help them improve their power, speed, and agility. Movements like deadlifts, benchpress, and squats are the foundation of strength training among athletes.
  • Strength training also boosts metabolism rate and allows the body to burn more calories when you are not working out.

Benefits of Endurance Training

  • Endurance exercises help in improving heart health. These exercises improve cardiovascular health and increase blood circulation in the body. Doing these exercises also leads to reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
  • Endurance exercises increase stamina by improving your body’s ability to deliver apt oxygen to muscles. Also, endurance exercises release endorphins, a ‘feel-good’ hormone that helps in reducing stress and anxiety.
  • Endurance workouts including cycling, running, swimming, etc., help in burning calories and maintaining a healthy weight.

Also Read: Top Agility and Speed Drills for Indian Athletes

Strength vs Endurance: How to Choose the Right Training Plan?

Finally, the big question is how to choose the right training plan between Strength and Endurance. Well, the answer is- why choose one when you can take advantage of both? All pro athletes and fitness enthusiasts strive to adopt a hybrid approach and incorporate both Strength and Endurance training in their workouts. Doing both will ensure a balance between muscle building, stamina improvement, and cardiovascular health. One can opt for a simple weekly routine or create their own workout timetable comprising both strength and endurance exercises. Below is a sample weekly routine timetable:

  • Monday: Upper body strength training.
  • Tuesday: Endurance training. Ex: Running or Cycling.
  • Wednesday: Sleep well and take ample rest for active recovery.
  • Thursday: Lower body strength training.
  • Friday: Endurance training. Ex: Swimming.
  • Saturday: Opt for full-body endurance and strength circuits.
  • Sunday: Rest day.

Tips for Success

  • There’s a saying, slow and steady wins the race. Therefore, choose your workouts wisely and start with a manageable intensity so that you don’t get injured or burned out.
  • Recovery is a crucial aspect of both strength and endurance workouts. No matter what weekly or monthly plan you follow for your workouts, just ensure your plan includes rest days.
  • Keep track of your progress. Regularly monitoring your improvements in exercises will help you to plan your next schedule accordingly.
  • As an amateur, it is necessary to seek the guidance of a professional. A mentor, trainer, or coach can help you understand exercises better and also will aid you in performing your exercises in a bona fide manner.

Also Read: The Best Smart Gadgets For Tracking Your Athletic Progress

To Conclude

Opting between Strength and Endurance exercises shouldn’t be an if-but or an either-or decision. Exercises for endurance enhance cardiovascular health and stamina, while strength training increases muscle and power. Therefore, both trainings have their own magnitude so it is better to schedule your workout in a manner so that you get the best of both strength and endurance training and amplify your fitness journey.

Follow us on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.

The Complete Guide To Nutrition And Recovery For Athletes

While striving for excellence on sports field, athletes try to get the most out of their bodies. This is essential because they compete against the best and always step on the the field with the sole aim of getting the better of the opponents. Staying at the top of their power and performing at the peak level is what athletes strive for on the daily basis. But sustaining high standards and peak performance depend not only on training but what an athlete is eating and how fast he is making recovery post matches. So let’s discuss about nutrition and post match workout methods top athletes use during their sporting journey.

The Role of Nutrition in Athletic Performance

Talent alone can’t take an athlete far on his sports journey. An athlete needs discipline that comes from habits, such as eating, regular exercise, and going to bed at a specific time. It’s not a week’s schedule, but an ever going process for top athletes. Nutrition and recovery for athletes is as important as perfecting skills during training. Nutrition is the foundation of athletic performance. An athlete’s diet directly impacts his energy levels, endurance, muscle growth, and overall health and makes a telling difference between good performance and great performance.

Also Read: Top Agility and Speed Drills for Indian Athletes

Macronutrients and Their Importance

  1. Carbohydrates: They are the primary source of fuel for athletes. Foods rich with carbohydrates fuel an athlete’s body for required energy for high-intensity activities. Some of the rich source of carbohydrates are whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  2. Proteins: These are essential for muscle repair and growth. Protein helps build muscles and remains a vital part of an athlete’s diet. Athletes can include foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products for protein intake. In addition, if an athlete is a vegan, he can opt for plant-based protein products, such as Tofu.
  3. Fats: This essential component might be the most criticized, but gaining healthy fats is as important as building muscles. Healthy fats helps an athlete in sustaining energy during prolonged activities and overall cellular function. Some of the foods that provide rich source of fats are nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish.

Also Read: Training for Young Athletes: Best Practices

Micronutrients and Hydration

  • Vitamins and Minerals: Other than Carbs, Proteins and healthy fats, an athlete also needs adequate levels of vitamins and minerals to support bone health, energy metabolism, and immune function. An athlete can add fruits, vegetables, cereals and wholegrains, lean meats for vitamins and minerals.
  • Keep your body Hydrated: Athletes need to keep their body hydrated all the time because dehydration can impair performance significantly. Drinking water consistently helps replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.

More Tips For Optimal Performance

  1. No hard and fast rule: Every athlete’s body is different and they require different types of food to maintain their peak performance. If one food is working wonders for an athlete, there’s no guarantee it would work on another. Ace lawn tennis player Novak Djokovic had to eliminate gluten from his diet because his body was sensitive to it. So there’s no hard and fast rule and every athlete has to find what’s working for his body.
  2. Be Consistent: Beside finding what’s working for your body, it’s important to maintain a discipline when it comes to consuming your diet. For example, having a balanced meal 2-3 hours before exercise helps in providing your body enough fuel for the intense work out. Similarly, athletes should include combinations of carbohydrates and protein in their post-workout diet.
  3. Healthy Snack Food: You must have seen Rafael Nadal consuming bananas during his intense tennis matches. These are the type of food, also energy bars, that give body quick energy boosts during extended activities.
  4. Use Supplement Wisely: Athletes also need supplements like whey protein, creatine, or omega-3 to fill nutritional gaps.

Also Read: The Best Smart Gadgets For Tracking Your Athletic Progress


Recovery Techniques for Sustainable Training

Training and diet are important, no doubt about that, but recovery is as crucial aspect in an athlete’s life. In NBA, teams play games every other 2-3 days, which means, athletes have to at their optimum power for every game. This is possibly only if an athlete has made a quick recovery after his last match. Without adequate recovery, athletes risk burnout, injury, and low performance. That’s why incorporating recovery techniques is vital for an athlete’s overall well-being.

Low Intensity Recovery

Some activities require low intensity and can also help an athlete in refreshing his mind. These activities include light jogging, yoga, or swimming. These type of activities also help improve blood circulation and promotes muscle repair and reduces stiffness.

Sleep

There’s no substitute to sleep. Nothing at all. This is the best recovery method for every athlete and for average people as well. Sleep is the most powerful tool, the best yoga an athlete can do. Quality sleep helps in repairing tissues, muscle building, and replenishes the body and the mind. Every athlete should aim for at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Massage and Foam Rolling

Massages and foam rolling are excellent for releasing muscle tension. During matches and intense workout, athlete suffer from muscle tension. Massaging can help reduce the strain in muscle and expedite the recovery period. These methods also reduces inflammation and discomfort.

Cold and Heat Therapy

Another method to help during recovery is the cold and heat therapy. Cold therapy includes ice baths or cold packs which reduces inflammation and muscle soreness while heat pads or warm baths help relax muscles and improve flexibility.

Mental Recovery

A healthy mind is the most powerful tool for an athlete. The physical recovery is incomplete without the mental wellbeing of an athlete. An athlete should also look at methods such as meditation, deep breathing, or engaging in hobbies like gaming that can help athletes reduce stress and maintain focus.


Recommendations for Tools and Products

Investing in the right tools and products can streamline nutrition and recovery efforts. Here are some recommendations:

Nutrition Tools
  1. Biomechanical Analysis Wearables: Can help in metrics such as running, cycling and motion tracking.
  2. Recovery focused gadgets: Improve muscle recovery with real time feedback.
  3. Water Bottles with Markers: Helps track daily intake of water.
  4. Sports Nutrition Apps: Apps can help monitor sleep cycle, weight and can also help improve eating habits.
  5. Injury Prevention Devices: Support muscle recovery and muscle protection.
Recovery Products
  1. Foam Rollers: Helps athletes in releasing muscle tension.
  2. Massage Guns: For targeted muscle relief.
  3. Sleep Aids: Eye masks or white noise machines can promote better sleep quality.
Supplements to Consider
  1. Protein Powders
  2. Electrolyte Tablets
  3. Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

Create a Plan

An athlete needs to follow a certain path in order to remain at the peak of his powers. That comes from being disciplined in every aspect of life, be it waking up in the morning or hanging out with friends in the evening.

  1. Set Goals: Setting up goals and a timeline to achieve them helps an athlete remain focused on the path.
  2. Track Progress: Monitor everything. Be it the sleep pattern, or the diet your are consuming, or even how fast you are breathing during workouts, keep a track on everything. This helps in finding solution.
  3. Be ready to make adjustments: Former Manchester United star Park ji-Sung ate boiled frogs for peak performances. So be ready to make adjustments to everything, be it exercises in the gym or eating habits.
Seek Professional Guidance

Indeed, you are your first doctor, but sometimes, it’s better to leave some things to professionals. If a diet plan or some recovery methods aren’t working for you, it’s better to seek help from professional dietitians, sports nutritionists, and physiotherapists.

Conclusion

An athlete must understand that quality diet and recovery are just an important as crafting skills and hitting gym. By understanding the importance of balanced nutrition, an athlete can significantly enhance his performance while also minimizing the risk of injury and fatigue.

Follow us on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.

PKL 2024 Playoff Race, Top Raiders, Top Defenders, Points Table, Winner Prediction

We are approaching the business end of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 2024) season. With 25 league matches remaining, there is still a lot to play for, and the race for playoff spots is wide open. Only one team, Haryana Steelers, has secured its place in the playoffs so far. 

Most of the teams are in contention and vying for playoff spots. The PKL action will be intense from now on, as there is no room for complacency, and teams want to be at their best to seal playoff spots.

Who are the favorites to win Pro Kabaddi League 2024?

Haryana Steelers, the runner-up of the last edition, have come out this season with a point to prove. They had an excellent team last season and have further bolstered with game-changing additions like Mohammadreza Shadloui. At the moment, they are miles ahead of the rest and have covered all bases. The raiders are doing their job and the defense is rock solid. Looking at their clinical performances thus far, we are backing the Haryana Steelers to win PKL 2024.

Apart from Haryana Steelers, U Mumba and Patna Pirates have emerged as contenders for the PKL trophy. Both teams are playing at their best and aiming for a top-2 finish in the league stage.

UP Yoddhas, Dabang Delhi KC, Jaipur Pink Panthers, and Telugu Titans are among the other teams in contention for the playoff spots.

Related 10 Raiders with Most Super 10s in Pro Kabaddi League History

PKL Points Table 2024 

(As of 11 December 2024)

PositionTeamPWLTSDFormPoints
1Haryana Steelers191540109W, W, W, L, W77
2U Mumba18106221W, L, T, W, L60
3Patna Pirates17106186W, L, W, W, T58
4UP Yoddhas1796237W, T, W, W, L56
5Dabang Delhi K.C.1785434W, T, W, T, W56
6Jaipur Pink Panthers1897238W, L, T, W, L54
7Telugu Titans181080-46L, W, L, L, W54
8Puneri Paltan1878330L, L, L, W, L49
9Tamil Thalaivas176101-4L, W, L, L, W38
10Bengal Warriorz175102-51W, L, W, L, L37
11Gujarat Giants185112-98L, W, L, T, L34
12Bengaluru Bulls182151-156L, L, T, L, L19

Related 10 Greatest Players of Pro Kabaddi League

Pro Kabaddi Top Raider 2024

(As of 11 December 2024)

PlayerMatches Raid Points
1Devank17221
2Ashu Malik17187
3Arjun Deshwal18183
4Ajit Ramesh Chouhan18153
5Vijay Malik18143
6Vinay19137
7Guman Singh18130
8Ayan Lohchab17127
9Shivam Anil Patare19124
10Nitin Kumar Dhankhar14118

Most Super Raids in Pro Kabaddi 2024

(As of 11 December 2024)

PlayerMatchesSuper Raids
1Devank178
1Ajit Ramesh Chouhan188
3Pankaj Deepak Mohite185
3Ashish Kaptan Narwal185
3Pawan Kumar Sehrawat95
3Ashu Malik175
7Vinay194
7Nitin Kumar Dhankhar144
7Gagan Raju Gowda124
7Bharat Hooda174

Related Pro Kabaddi Best Raider: Top 10 Raiders in PKL History

Most Super 10 in PKL 2024

(As of 11 December 2024)

PlayerMatchesSuper 10s
1Ashu Malik1714
2Devank1713
3Ajit Ramesh Chouhan188
3Arjun Deshwal188
5Vijay Malik187
6Maninder Singh136
6Pawan Kumar Sehrawat96
6Vinay196
6Guman Singh186
6Ayan Lohchab176

Related Pro Kabaddi Best Defender: Top 10 Defenders in PKL among active players

Pro Kabaddi Top Defender 2024

(As of 11 December 2024)

PlayerMatches Tackle Points
1Nitin Rawal1865
2Mohammadreza Shadloui1964
3Rahul Sethpal1957
4Ankit Jaglan1756
5Nitesh Kumar1754
6Sumit Sangwan1753
7Fazel Atrachali1752
8Ankush Rathee1851
9Gaurav Khatri1850
9Yogesh Bijender Dahiya1650

Most Super Tackles in PKL 2024

 (As of 11 December 2024)

PlayerMatchesSuper Tackles
1Nitin Rawal188
1Yogesh Bijender Dahiya168
3Fazel Atrachali177
3Hitesh177
5Ankit Jaglan176
5Sunil Kumar186
5Rahul Sethpal196
8Mohit Goyat175
8Ashu Singh175
8Saurabh Nandal175

Related Which players have the most tackle points in the history of PKL?

Most High 5 in PKL 2024

(As of 11 December 2024)

PlayerMatchesHigh 5s
1Nitesh Kumar175
1Nitin Rawal185
3Yogesh Bijender Dahiya164
4Sombir Goswami174
4Hitesh174
6Gaurav Khatri184
7Aman123
8Fazel Atrachali173
8Deepak Singh173
8Ankit Jaglan173

PKL 2024 schedule for upcoming matches

DateMatchTeamsTime (IST)Venue
December 12, 2024Match 107Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Telugu Titans20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Match 108UP Yoddhas vs Bengal Warriorz21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 13, 2024Match 109Tamil Thalaivas vs Patna Pirates20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Match 110Puneri Paltan vs Bengaluru Bulls21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 14, 2024Match 111Telugu Titans vs Gujarat Giants20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Match 112Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Haryana Steelers21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 15, 2024Match 113Tamil Thalaivas vs Jaipur Pink Panthers20:00Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune
Match 114U Mumba vs UP Yoddhas21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 16, 2024Match 115Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Bengal Warriorz20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Match 116Patna Pirates vs Puneri Paltan21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 17, 2024Match 117Haryana Steelers vs UP Yoddhas20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Match 118Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Bengaluru Bulls21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 18, 2024Match 119Tamil Thalaivas vs Bengal Warriorz20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Match 120Patna Pirates vs Telugu Titans21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 19, 2024Match 121Gujarat Giants vs UP Yoddhas20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Match 122U Mumba vs Patna Pirates21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 20, 2024Match 123Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Bengal Warriorz20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Match 124Puneri Paltan vs Telugu Titans21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 21, 2024Match 125Patna Pirates vs Gujarat Giants20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Match 126Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Jaipur Pink Panthers21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 22, 2024Match 127Tamil Thalaivas vs Bengaluru Bulls20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Match 128Haryana Steelers vs U Mumba21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 23, 2024Match 129Gujarat Giants vs Dabang Delhi K.C.20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Match 130Puneri Paltan vs Tamil Thalaivas21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 24, 2024Match 131Bengaluru Bulls vs UP Yoddhas20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Match 132Bengal Warriorz vs U Mumba21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 26, 2024Eliminator 1TBC vs TBC20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Eliminator 2TBC vs TBC21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 27, 2024Semi-Final 1TBC vs TBC20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Semi-Final 2TBC vs TBC21:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
December 29, 2024FinalTBC vs TBC20:00Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune

Related Pro Kabaddi Players who have defied age and continue to rule PKL

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where to watch PKL live in India?

A: You can watch PKL 2024 matches live on Star Sports 1 SD/HD and Star Sports 2 HD/SD in India. 

Q: How to live stream PKL 2024 matches online?

A: The Pro Kabaddi 2024 matches will be available for live streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website in India. Besides, you can also follow the live score and updates of each PKL match on the App and Website.

Q: Where to check PKL points table?

A: To stay updated with the PKL points table 2024 and standings, you can check the official PKL website. The points table provides in-depth performance info of each team in PKL season 11, including wins, losses, form, and points in the race to the playoffs.

Q: How to check PKL score live?

A: You can check Pro Kabaddi League official website for PKL score live updates. Real-time  Live Scores and updates are also available on Disney+ Hotstar App along with live streaming.

Follow us on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.

Top Agility and Speed Drills for Indian Athletes

Just as fitness is essential, agility and speed are also vital components for an athlete. Someone might be a born athlete or gifted from the very young age, but if he fails to take care of his body, then he is likely to fail. Regardless of sport, be it cricket, football, or Lawn tennis, improving fitness can significantly improve an athlete’s on-field performance. Agility and speed are directly related to fitness. So let’s take a look at top agility and speed drills for Indian athletes.

Why Agility and Speed Matter in Sports

At the very top level, there isn’t much difference between the agility and speed of top athletes. But the fraction of seconds can be the biggest of the difference. The perfect example is the 100M race, where the difference in the top speed of sprinters is often less than a second. These might be the small margins, or the difference in numbers might look insignificant, but even fractions of seconds can separate the average athletes from the very best. For Indian athletes competing in domestic or international competitions, improving agility and speed can help them gain an edge over opponents.

Top Agility Drills

Here are some agility drills that can help an athlete in developing agility and speed.

1. Ladder Drills

This is a simple form of exercise that can improve foot speed, coordination, and agility. Just place a ladder on the ground and try to step through various patterns.

  • Drill Example
    1. Place the agility ladder flat on the ground.
    2. Run through the ladder, ensuring only one foot lands in each square.
    3. Use high knees and maintain a straight posture.
    4. Gradually increase speed as you become comfortable with the movement.

Can Help Athletes: Ladder drills can help athletes in various sports. But these drills are particularly effective for footballers and cricket players, as they need quick footwork.

Also Read: Sport-Specific Skill Development for Indian Athletes

2. Cone Drills

With the help of cone drills, an athlete can improve sideway movements, plus control over acceleration, and deceleration.

  • Drill Example
    1. Set up four cones in a “T” shape.
    2. Start at the bottom of the T and sprint forward to the center cone.
    3. Shuffle to the right cone, then to the left cone, and return to the center.
    4. Repeat the movement.

Can Help Athletes: This drill lateral movement and can be crucial for athletes in sports like football and hockey, where quick direction changes are frequent.

Also Read: 5 Essential Drills Every Cricketer Should Master

3. Shuttle Runs

This is perhaps one of the oldest form of exercise and can be done without any equipment. All you need is to run back and forth between two points. This drill can exhaust an athlete quickly but is can also boosts agility and build stamina.

  • Drill Example:
    1. Set up two markers 10-15 meters apart.
    2. Sprint from one marker to the other, touch the ground, and return.
    3. Repeat for several rounds, maintaining speed and control.

Can Help Athletes: Shuttle runs are particularly beneficial for footballers and basketball players who require repeated bursts of speed during matches. Also for fielders in cricket fielding inside the 20-yard circle.

Top Speed Drills

Here are some speed drills that can help an athlete in developing speed.

1. Resisted Sprints

As the name suggests, this is a kind of drill that requires adding resistance. It can either involve running with ankle weights or by dragging something like tyre, for example, while trying to run at full speed. This form of exercise can improve running velocity. Also, adding resistance to sprints helps build leg strength and explosive power.

  • Drill Example
    1. Use a resistance band or a weighted sled.
    2. Sprint for 20-30 meters against the resistance.
    3. Rest for 60 seconds and repeat.

Can Help Athletes: Resisted sprints are beneficial for athletes across all sports. But it can be a game changer for rugby players who need to resists pressure from opponents while running.

2. Hill Sprints

Hill sprints can help build a natural form of resistance. With the help of these exercises, an athlete can also enhance strength and speed. This form of exercise involves running up a hill to improve speed, power, and endurance. This can be done even at home or gym on a treadmill by increasing inclination.

  • Drill Example
    1. Find a moderately steep hill.
    2. Sprint up the hill with maximum effort for 20-30 meters.
    3. Walk back down to recover and repeat.
    4. Can be done in gym or at home on a treadmill.

Can Help Athletes: This drill builds explosive power and is an excellent option for athletes looking to improve speed and agility across all sports.

3. Plyometric Drills

Plyometrics exercises, also known as jump training or plyos, uses fast and explosive movements to improve strength, power, and speed. Implementing these exercises in training routine can help in speed development.

  • Drill Example
    1. Jump forward with one leg, landing softly on the other.
    2. Continue for 10-15 meters, focusing on explosive power.
    3. Walk back and repeat for 4-6 rounds.

Can Help Athletes: Playing sports such as football, Lawn tennis or Kabaddi where athletes have to use their maximum speed for a short period of time. It can also help bowlers.

4. Flying Sprints

This drill named Flying sprints can help athletes reach their full speed. This drill requires running at a jogging speed for a few meters followed by a burst at full speed. Here’s how this drill should be performed.

  • Drill Example
    1. Jog for 20 meters to build momentum.
    2. Sprint at maximum speed for the next 30 meters.
    3. Gradually slow down and recover.
    4. Repeat for 6-8 rounds.

Can Help Athletes: This drill helps athletes reach their maximum speed efficiently. These drills can help athletes massively in sports such as football where short burst of maximum speed is needed at regular intervals.

Key points to remember

  1. Consistency is Key
    The one aspect that everyone should remember is that consistency is the key. Regular practice of drills is necessary for improving speed and agility. Athletes should aim for 3-4 sessions per week for improvements.
  2. Focus on Technique
    Technique is what separates an average athlete from the very best. If you are a bowler, how you release the ball and when, can make a big difference. Similarly for a footballer, the ability to pick a pass in tight situations depends on the technique. So, athletes should work with coaches or trainers to ensure correct execution.
  3. Warm-Up and Cool Down
    The bets way to prevent injuries and make yourself game ready is to go through a proper warm-up. This helps the muscles for high-intensity activity, and also prepare the mind for the game. Similarly, cooling down after the match helps in recovery and reduces soreness.
  4. Nutrition and Recovery
    A balanced diet and adequate rest are essential for athletes to perform at their best during training and matches.

Adapting to Indian Conditions

India’s diverse climate conditions can affect training routines. Athletes living in areas such as New Delhi or Jaipur, where weather conditions are extreme, should train early in the morning or evening to avoid exhaustion during peak summer. Similarly, training routine should be adapted to winter and monsoon seasons.

Conclusion

Agility and speed can be the real game changers for Indian athletes, especially for young footballers aiming to play in Europe. Football clubs prefer signing players with explosive pace. Though some players are born with athletic gifts, other have to craft their skills. By including the above-mentioned drills into their training schedule, athletes can enhance performance, and unlock their full potential.

Again, the drills mentioned above are only for suggestion. Every athlete has his own way of achieving goals. There’s no proven route to success in sports or in any field for that matter. But committing to consistent practice, and staying motivated can help every athlete.

Follow us on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.

Sport-Specific Skill Development for Indian Athletes

India is a country full of natural talent. The diversity in India, be it sports, education, skill, or any other domain, is exemplary. Over the years, the country has produced excellent athletes who have set the world stage on fire. As these athletes continue to excel worldwide in multiple sports, the urge for sport-specific skill development has shot up.

The Importance of Sport-Specific Skill Development

The first page of an athlete’s success story will always start with training. Irrespective of the skill he/she possesses, taking it to another level is what skill development is all about. While physical fitness may form the foundation, brushing the sport-specific skills is the cornerstone for every athlete’s success.

Systematic and focused training methods are quite crucial to bridge the gap between raw and nurtured talent. To develop these skill sets, an athlete should go through a combination of tactical, technical, and psychological training designed according to the demands of an individual sport. Let’s go deeper in this post and discuss one of the most played and popular sports in India, i.e., Cricket.

Also Read: 5 Essential Drills Every Cricketer Should Master

Skill Development for Cricket Players

Cricket isn’t a sport but a religion in India. It is one such sport that demands a range of specialized practices. Skill development for Cricket players includes a range of training and practices. Let’s take a look at some of these skill development practices:

Batting Skills:

  • Mastering hand-eye coordination to time the ball perfectly.
  • Developing the ability to play the ball on both front and backfoot.
  • Developing the ability to judge the line and length of the delivery when it’s released from the bowler’s hand.

Bowling Skills:

  • Get going with bowling on a particular line and length. Gain perfection by marking a spot on the surface where you have to hit the ball and bowl on the spot constantly.
  • Perfect all the variations like bouncers, slow balls, bouncers, and good length deliveries as a pacer. Also, try to swing the ball and pitch the ball on the seam.
  • If you are a spinner, bowl all variations like off spin, leg spin, doosra, topspin, etc.

Also Read: 5 Exercises to Boost Stamina and Endurance in Sports

Fielding and Wicket-keeping Skills:

  • First and foremost, one needs to improve their reflexes for dive catches and stopping the ball.
  • Practice agility drills for diving on the ground and to develop accuracy in throwing the ball.
  • Reading game situation is another important aspect of Skill Development for Cricket Players.
  • As the game has evolved over the years, training techniques have also got better. Training techniques such as biomechanics, video analysis, and simulation drills also help in better skills development.

Football Skill Training in India

After discussing India’s most popular game Cricket, it is time to discuss the World’s most popular game, i.e., Football. Let us discuss some of the most popular Football Skill Training in India.

Ball Control and Dribbling:

  • Practice this skill by close ball control to navigate tight spaces.
  • Learning tricks to outmaneuver your opponents.

Passing and Vision:

  • Master short and long passes with utmost accuracy.
  • Improving spatial awareness to spot openings.

Defense:

  • Attempting for tackles without committing fouls.
  • Maintaining your position to block attacks.

Shooting the Ball:

  • The ability to shoot the ball with pinpoint accuracy needs to be practiced.
  • Develop consciousness and maintain composure during high-pressure situations near the goalpost.
Physical and Mental Conditioning:
  • Build your stamina and speed to meet the end result of the game.
  • Practice mental resilience training to cultivate a winning mindset.

Whether it’s grassroots level or professional, the aforementioned Football skill training should be in the drill to get the best out of an athlete. To accelerate development the use of small-sided games and match simulations can be handy as well.

India has all the potential to become a superpower in sports. With population cruising it is clear that the country does have the talent, it’s just how to use this talent in a proper manner and nurture them to be the best in the world.

Follow us on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.

India vs Australia 3rd Test Match Prediction, Probable Playing XI, Key Players

Cricket fans can’t wait for India vs Australia 3rd Test to get underway! We are in for a treat as the high-octane third test of the India-Australia Test series starts on 14 December at the Gabba, Brisbane.

The BGT 2024-25 series is tied at 1-1 after hosts Aussies made a strong statement with a 10-wicket win in the second match of the five-test series.

Without any further ado, let’s get right into an in-depth Australia vs India third test preview, prediction, and what to expect from the Gabba test.

Match Details

Fixture: India vs Australia 3rd Test Match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 

Start Date: 14 December 2024 (Saturday)

Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane

Match Time: First Session: 5:50 AM IST to 7:50 AM IST, Lunch Break: 7:50 AM IST to 8:30 AM IST, Second Session: 8:30 AM IST to 10:30 AM IST, Tea Break: 10:30 AM IST to 10:50 AM IST and Third Session: 10:50 AM IST to 12:50 PM IST

Pitch Report and Bowling Conditions

The Gabba pitch in Brisbane has a reputation for being fast and full of bounce. The chief curator of the venue has hinted that it is just the start of the season and the surface will be spicy. That being said, a challenging test match awaits for the batters. The bowling conditions will suit fast bowlers.

Related Top 10 Performances by Indian Cricketers in BGT Trophy

India Playing XI, Expected Changes and Team Analysis 

India will be under tremendous pressure after a humiliating defeat in the Perth Test and a lot to prove. The onus will be on top 5-6 batsmen to come good. Another misfiring batting performance could push them out of the World Championship final 2023-25 race.

The senior batsmen – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – must step up for the visitors to put up a fight and battle the odds stacked in favor of Australia’s fiery bowling attack. Besides, others need to chip in as well to put on a total.

A few changes are expected in India’s Playing XI – like R Ashwin who struggled with injury concerns in the last match. Also, there is a chance that Akash Deep may get the nod over Harshit Rana for the Brisbane Test. 

Probable India Playing XI for Brisbane Test

  1. KL Rahul
  2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
  3. Shubman Gill
  4. Virat Kohli
  5. Rishabh Pant
  6. Rohit Sharma
  7. Nitish Reddy
  8. Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar
  9. Akash Deep/Harshit Rana
  10. Jasprit Bumrah
  11. Mohammed Siraj

Related 3rd Test IND vs AUS: 3 Changes India Should Make to Return to Winning Ways

Australia Playing XI, Expected Changes and Team Analysis 

Australia would be brimming with confidence after a mauling in the last test. With bowling conditions to their advantage and the batting order looking better than their counterparts, Australia would look to cash in on the winning momentum.

There is not much clarity on Josh Hazlewood’s availability for the third test for now. However, Aussies won’t be too fussed after the replacement Scott Boland’s clinical performance. Barring the Hazlewood-Boland swap, the hosts are likely to go in with the same team.

Probable Australia Playing XI for Brisbane Test

  1. Nathan McSweeney
  2. Usman Khawaja
  3. Marnus Labuschagne
  4. Steve Smith
  5. Travis Head
  6. Mitchell Marsh
  7. Alex Carey (wk)
  8. Pat Cummins (c)
  9. Mitchell Starc
  10. Josh Hazlewood/Scott Boland
  11. Nathan Lyon

Related 5 Young Guns to Watch in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025

Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

5 Players to Watch Out For

  1. Jasprit Bumrah (India): Jasprit Bumrah has had a terrific series so far. The premier bowler could once again be the difference between the two sides. The fast bowler has troubled the hosts, with 12 wickets at an astounding bowling average of 11.25.
  2. Virat Kohli (India): Virat Kohl thrives under pressure. Back King Kohli to come good with India looking up to senior batsmen after a dismal batting performance in the last game. The run machine Virat Kohli has scored 123 runs so far in the series at a batting average of 41.
  3. Steve Smith (Australia): Steve Smith is a prolific run-getter in Test cricket. He has had a quiet series (19 runs at a batting average of 6.33) thus far but a quality player like him can’t remain silent for long. He is due for runs. 
  4. Mitchell Starc (Australia): Mitchell Starc is bowling with great control and was one of the architects of Aussie win in the second test. With pace and bounce on offer at the Gabba pitch, the left-arm fast bowler could be too hot to handle. He is the leading wicket-taker in the series for the hosts with 11 wickets in 2 matches.
  5. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India): The Indian opener is the best batsman for his side in 2024. After a superb ton in the first test, he showcased what he brings to the table. Jaiswal has 185 runs in the series so far at an average of 46.25.

Related The Indian Players Who’ve Shone on Australian Soil: Border-Gavaskar Trophy Legends

Which team is the favorite to win the 3rd Test at the Gabba?

For sure, the India vs Australia 3rd Test at the Gabba is going to be full of exciting cricket and edge-of-the-seat entertainment. Who holds the edge in the third test?

Australia is slightly in front with a more potent bowling attack, bowling conditions, and a winning momentum. 

For India to do well and come out on top, the biggest challenge would be negating the bowling conditions to neutralize their counterparts. Don’t rule India out just yet! India came out victorious in their last test match at the Gabba and can do it again with the right mindset.

Follow us on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.

IND vs AUS 2024, 3rd Test: Gabba Brisbane Pitch Report, Test Stats & Records | Australia vs India BGT Series

India lock horns against Australia in the third Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Gabba in Brisbane, starting on 14 December 2024. The Gabba is one of the most successful venues in Test Cricket for the Australian Cricket Team. India comes into the test on the back of thumping defeat have an uphill task at their hands. 

Indian National Cricket Team gears up for the high-octane WTC fixture with a lot at stake looking ahead to the World Test Championship final. Here’s a look at how challenging pitch conditions will be, records of Australia and India at the venue, and stats.

India’s Record at Gabba

The Gabba has been a challenging Test venue for almost all touring nations and it’s the same for the Indian Cricket Team. 

Team India has played seven test matches at Brisbane Cricket Ground (Woolloongabba). India has managed just one solitary win here, suffered five defeats, and one match has ended in a draw.

TeamMatchesWonLostTiedDrawHighest ScoreLowest Score
India7150140958

Related 3rd Test IND vs AUS: 3 Changes India Should Make to Return to Winning Ways

India’s last match at The Gabba in 2021

This is a silver lining! India’s last match at The Gabba was the fourth Test of the 2020-21 series which remains one of the greatest Indian cricket test wins overseas. 

Against all odds, India was starting at a certain defeat with Aussies setting a daunting target of 328 runs on the final day.

To make matters worse for the Indian team, regular captain Virat Kohli missed out due to personal reasons while the squad was plagued with injuries.

Rishabh Pant’s counterattacking unbeaten 89 came at the right time as India registered their win at The Gabba and also sealed the series 2-1. 

Match Summary: Australia 369 & 294 lost to India 336 & 329/7 (T:328) – 4th Test, Brisbane, January 15 – 19, 2021, India’s tour of Australia 2020-21

Related Top 10 Performances by Indian Cricketers in BGT Trophy

Australia’s Record at The Gabba, Brisbane

Australia loves playing Test Cricket at this venue. In the 66 matches played here, Aussies have won 42 matches, losing only 10. 13 matches have ended in a draw while one has been a tied test.

TeamMatchesWonLostTiedDrawHighest ScoreLowest Score
Australia66421011364558

Curator provides insight into The Gabba pitch for AUS vs IND 3rd Test

Now that all the focus is on pitch conditions, David Sandurski (the Gabba pitch curator) has shared his thoughts on what to expect in the Australia vs India third test.

Speaking to The West Australian, Sandurski said, “Generally speaking, we still prepare the pitch the exact same way every time to try and get the same good carry, pace, and bounce that the Gabba is known for. We are just trying to make a traditional Gabba wicket like we do each year”.

He stressed the fact that early-season pitch tends to be “fresher” which offers more assistance to bowlers than the ones being played on later in the summer.

This is the reason Australia schedules Test matches at The Gabba before Christmas, as a spicy pitch gives an advantage to their fast bowlers.

Basis these insights, expect the IND vs AUS 3rd Test pitch to be pacy and bouncy. 

The Gabba Brisbane Test Records

Last 5 Test Match Results at The Gabba, Brisbane

Team 1Team 2WinnerMarginMatch Date
AustraliaWest IndiesWest Indies8 runsJan 25-28, 2024
AustraliaSouth AfricaAustralia6 wicketsDec 17-18, 2022
AustraliaEnglandAustralia9 wicketsDec 8-11, 2021
AustraliaIndiaIndia3 wicketsJan 15-19, 2021
AustraliaPakistanAustraliainns & 5 runsNov 21-24, 2019

Highest Totals in Test at The Gabba, Brisbane

TeamScoreOppositionResultMatch Date
Australia645EnglandAUS Win29 Nov 1946
Australia607/6dNew ZealandAUS Win3 Dec 1993
Australia602/9dEnglandAUS Win23 Nov 2006
Australia601/8dEnglandAUS Win26 Nov 1954
Australia585New ZealandAUS Win18 Nov 2004

Lowest Totals in Test at The Gabba, Brisbane

TeamScoreOppositionResultMatch Date
India58AustraliaAUS Win28 Nov 1947
Australia58EnglandENG Win4 Dec 1936
New Zealand76AustraliaAUS Win18 Nov 2004
England79AustraliaAUS Win7 Nov 2002
West Indies82AustraliaAUS Win23 Nov 2000

Related The Rivalry Unfolded: India vs Australia in Numbers

Most Runs by Batsman in Test at The Gabba, Brisbane

PlayerMatchesInningsRunsHSBatting Average10050
Ricky Ponting (AUS)1726133519663.57410
Michael Clarke (AUS)10131030259*103.0052
Gregg Chappell (AUS)7111006201111.7754
David Warner (AUS)111996316356.6442
Steve Waugh (AUS)1726915147*41.5935
Mark Taylor (AUS)101891216457.0026
Matthew Hayden (AUS)91590119760.0641
Steve Smith (AUS)1017821141*54.7333
Allan Border (AUS)1522779152*37.0932
David Boon (AUS)122075014337.5024

Most Wickets by Bowlers in Test at The Gabba, Brisbane

PlayerMatchesWicketsBBIAveSR4510
Shane Warne (AUS)11688/7120.3048.82732
Glenn McGrath (AUS)13656/1721.7549.81641
Nathan Lyon (AUS)13514/6928.3160.582
Mitchell Starc (AUS)11474/5228.9349.024
Pat Cummins (AUS)7406/2318.2238.92231
Craig McDermott (AUS)8406/5322.6247.1742
Josh Hazlewood (AUS)8375/5723.7552.1612
Mitchell Johnson (AUS)7345/3925.0844.0032
Dennis Lillee (AUS)6316/5320.1637.9022
Brett Lee (AUS)6295/3021.5540.9622

Follow us on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.

Exit mobile version