With summer at its peak, in some cities the IPL games are being played in temperatures hovering around the 40 degree mark. In such extreme conditions, how are players dealing with the heat and how does the support staff take care of them?
One of the medical professionals associated with a team speaking on condition of anonymity put it well. “It is not easy. If you played Test cricket or even 50 over cricket in this heat, you wouldn’t be able to last.”
He went on to add that in contrast to popular belief, it is not only water that you need to stay hydrated in extreme heat.
“You are losing not just water. You are losing salts and a lot of other things like sodium, potassium etc. if you taste your own sweat, it is salty. So just drinking water doesn’t do the job. In fact too much water isn’t good for your kidney and you might start to feel bloated. So we use a lot of electrolytes and SIS”.
Strategies to give rest to fast bowlers
The heat is especially tasking on fast bowlers, and most teams are using substitutes to give them quick breaks. Right after they are done bowling an over or two, the fast bowlers are asked to step out of the field, have a quick break and rejoin duties. During the break, it is made sure that the bowlers replenish with SiS, an electrolyte based drink, to keep the bowlers hydrated.
“The body is losing a lot. The idea is to make sure that we replenish what is being lost. That’s why not just water”, said the doctor.
Apart from electrolyte drinks and quick breaks for players, one other strategy that is employed to help players take on the heat is ice towels. Almost all teams have used ice towels to keep the players cool.
“It is also about a quick recovery. At times the Delhi heat of 35 degrees feels decent. That’s how bad some of the other venues have been”, said the source.
With sports science seriously advanced, even in the thick of Indian summers, players can safely manage their workload under extreme heat conditions. Team doctors and physicians do their best to help players perform at their best even in the heat and that is where it can make a real difference to the players.