There's uncertainty over IPL, but Rajasthan Royals working on fitness: Dishant Yagnik

JAIPUR: Fitness and Dishant Yagnik are close allies. The former Rajasthan wicketkeeper and Rajasthan Royals’ fielding coach is a fitness freak and even post-retirement he has not let lethargy to set in. No surprise, staying indoors during the 21-day lockdown has not stopped him from following his fitness schedule.
"These days I am doing body weight exercises that include squats, static strides, push-ups, pull-ups, burpees, crunches and explosive core workout, all at home," the former left-hand batsman shared.
Before Section 144 and nationwide lockdown was imposed, the coach from Udaipur was imparting training to the Royals' players during their camps in Guwahati and Nagpur. IPL is 'my next assignment' said Yagnik, but quickly acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the cash-rich league. "Fingers crossed. Let's see how the situation plays out," he added. According to the latest media reports, IPL franchises have decided that they will have the next meeting after the government comes up with a fresh advisory on April 14.

Lead owner of Rajasthan Royals Manoj Badale in message to the team’s fans contemplated, “After months of hard work from our players, coaches, support staff and management, we were also looking forward to taking the IPL to the Northeast for the first time and giving fans there an opportunity to experience this great tournament live, with our first home game in Guwahati on April 5.”
To keep the Royals' players fit and focused, Yagnik revealed that they have been given a schedule to follow. "Players are working on a fitness schedule designed for them by the Royals' support staff," he said.
Moreover, 36-year-old Yagnik, who has played 50 first-class matches for Rajasthan, has come forward to do his bit in the nation’s fight against COVID-19 pandemic. He has on his Facebook account shared the screenshot of the e-receipt of the donation to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund). The former batsman also urged other players of the state to step up for the cause. “Whatever amount you all can manage to donate, please do!!” he wrote in the post. "It doesn't matter how big or small the amount is, all that counts is to rise on occasions such as this to help the nation," Yagnik said.
While Badale has urged the fans to come together as one big ‘Royals Family’ in the fight against the deadly virus. “Sport has always had the power to not only entertain, but also to unite. Fighting this virus by staying indoors over the next few weeks and staying healthy by following all safety guidelines is a great way to showcase our unity in these difficult times. Please stay indoors, follow medical advice, stay safe, stay fit, maintain social distancing and be thankful to the real heroes - our healthcare workers, essential services’ workers and authorities who are working day and night and putting themselves at risk to protect us and the world during these tough times,” he said.