What an exceptional journey has it been for the Indian Cricket Team, who on Wednesday triumphed over the Kiwis (New Zealand) by 70 runs, making their way to the ICC World Cup final. Now, the Men in Blue are all set to go up against the Australian Cricket Team on Sunday, November 19.
So far, the ICC World Cup 2023 has been an exciting and nerve-racking experience, but at the same time, players have undergone immense physical challenges. Cramping for one has been a common occurrence throughout the World Cup. From Australia’s Glenn Maxwell to India's Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, many cricketers struggled with muscle cramps on the field.
We spoke to experts to understand why professional cricketers, who are on top of their fitness game, are experiencing sudden and painful cramps.
Overexertion And Muscle Overuse
Dr Veena Nair, MPT (MSK), Certificated Yoga Teacher, Apollo Clinic, Viman Nagar, describes spasms or cramps as painful contractions and tightening of the muscles, often involuntary and unpredictable. According to her, many factors can lead to such cramps. For instance, overuse of muscles or exertion.
When you overuse or strain your muscles for prolonged periods, it can deprive them of oxygen and nutrients, leading to fatigue.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Alagu Pandiyan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, SPARSH Hospital, Bengaluru, explained, “Strenuous exercise requires a lot of energy, which is acquired through the anaerobic respiration process. As a part of the process, the muscles break down glucose to produce lactic acid and energy. When a lot of the lactic acid gets collected in the muscles, it can cause muscle cramps.”
Adding to it, Dr Ronen Roy, Director-Orthopaedics, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata, said, “Cramps can occur due to the accumulation of metabolites from intense physical exertion during a cricket match. Blood flow may not be sufficient to clear these metabolites, leading to muscle cramps.”
Loss Of Electrolytes
For our muscles to function properly, they require a balance of water and electrolytes.
Dr Pandiyan said, "Athletes tend to lose a lot of body fluids through sweat, which thus leads to dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, the body faces an electrolyte imbalance and experiences severe muscle cramps."
According to Dr Roy, excessive sweating and fluid loss in cricketers often occur due to hot and humid environments.
“Adequate hydration is crucial to prevent cramps, and electrolyte-rich sources like bananas and coconut water can help replenish lost minerals," Dr Roy advised.
Insufficient Warm-Up To Blame?
At times, muscle cramps can occur due to a lack of proper warm-up and excessive cooling down during breaks, said Dr Roy.
Without adequate preparation, muscles may not be as flexible as you would want them to be. This could make them more prone to sudden contractions and spasms, resulting in cramps. Warm-up exercises help increase blood flow, improve flexibility, and prepare muscles for not only the demands of the game of cricket but also any other intense activity.
Also Read: Want To Know How Virat Kohli Keeps Himself Fit and Fab? Here Are His Workout Secrets
Preventive Measures
To prevent the onset of cramps in players, a few things need to be kept in mind:
- Thorough warming up before matches and avoiding excessive cooling down during breaks
- Maintaining adequate hydration levels before, during, and after the game, one can indulge in electrolyte-rich sources such as bananas, coconut water, and sports drinks
- Players switching between different climates should take extra precautions to adapt their bodies to temperature variations
- Regular health check-ups to monitor overall fitness.
- Encouraging a balanced lifestyle, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and sufficient rest
- Need for an awareness around the risks associated with overexertion, dehydration, and inadequate warmup
Conclusion
The cricket players representing their countries have a lot at stake. However, addressing health challenges and injuries is of paramount importance. Understanding the cause of frequent occurrences of muscle cramps in players is crucial to avoiding the mistakes leading to them. This can also be helpful for individuals who are sportspeople and athletes themselves. Moreover, taking necessary precautions and preventive measures may help in better performance and possible wins.