1 year of lockdown: Indian cricketers and their fab workout routines on Instagram

Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Hardik Pandya. Pictures/ AFP

The coronavirus pandemic created ripples around the world, including India last year. It has almost been a year that the nationwide lockdown was announced on March 22, 2020. With many industries coming to a standstill the world of sports too got affected badly. Several top sporting events such as the Olympics, NBA, IPL and Grand Slams tennis tournaments either got cancelled or postponed.

With no cricket happening during the COVID-19-induced lockdown, the Indian cricket team members ensured that they were on track with their fitness routines and also kept their fans engaged with constant interactions via social media. Virat Kohli to star-players like Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant and newcomers Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer went on to flood social media platforms with their workout regimes and fitness tips to keep their fans and followers engaged.

Within the four walls of their homes, Indian cricketers showed that they were dedicated and determined to keep fighting fit so that when cricket would resume, they would be ready.

As we near the one year anniversary of the lockdown in India, today, we take a look at some of the coolest workout posts shared by our Men in Blue on Instagram.

--Hardik Pandya--

"From 68 kgs to now 75 kgs in three months. Non-stop effort, no shortcuts."

"Quaran-training 😉 Don't forget about your personal fitness during the quarantine. Stay fit, stay healthy ✌🏾😁 #CrushQuarantine #Fitness #HomeWorkout #Training."

Here, Pandya issued a challenge to his brother Krunal Pandya.

"Stronger. Fitter. Still under construction @krunalpandya_official, I challenge you bhai! Let's see how many you can do."

Another challenge by Hardik to skipper Kohli and his brother Krunal.

"Hey bruh @virat.kohli Always got your back@rahulkl @krunalpandya_official guys would you like to have a go and special thanks to my darling @coach_a.i.harrsha for pushing me."

"Inch by inch, rep by rep! Making every bit count!"

--Virat Kohli--

"Earn it, Don't demand it."

"If I had to make a choice of one exercise to do every day, this would be it. Love the power snatch."

"Putting in some daily work to prepare for this heat. Btw pls tag and ask @tipo_morris why he's making those sounds in the background."

"A timeline for optimum output game after game. Play recover priming(prep) play. Never underestimate the importance of a routine."

--Shreyas Iyer--

"Let's go upside down."

"What's poppin."

"It doesn't get easier. You just get better."

"Flicking out."

--Ajinkya Rahane--

"Yoga helps to keep myself relaxed and the body flexible. 🧘🏻‍♂️ Let's all practice together virtually on 21st June, International Yoga Day. Choose from any of the NTC Yoga workouts in the NTC App. Let's get on the mat!."

"Workout feeling."

"Making everyday count #MondayMotivation."

"Favourite hour of the day!"

--Shikhar Dhawan--

"There is always an opportunity to do something productive and be safe at the same time. Feels great to be in the nature right now and enjoying my workout as well 😃 Stay Strong everyone."

"It's important to make use of this lockdown & to keep our fitness game strong. As a cricketer, maintaining consistency in being fit is key & an integral part of my life, I simply love it! So keep working on yourself and hustle hard."

"At our core, we're all yogis. Confused? Well, let's see what you answer to these questions. Do you turn on soothing music to calm your mind, sometimes? Do you stretch yourself after you've sat on your office chair for hours together? Do you consciously skip the sugar in your chai? Do you enjoy the feeling that you get after a workout? Any workout? Gym? Running? Etc. Do you feel a sense of calm doing the thing you love? Do you love what you do? What you are? What you are on the path to becoming? What you surround yourself with? What you allow yourself to feel? If you answered yes to any of these, then you're a yogi because you're seeking the values that yoga is based on - Unification of Mind, body and Soul. Yoga is each aspect of your life that makes you feel happy, from the inside. Be it physical exercise, nap time, cooking your favourite meals, time with your family, playing with your baby - everything. And if you're someone who takes time out to do what they love, you're a yogi. International Yoga Day is round the corner! Let us celebrate yoga everyday and make it into a lifestyle! I practice yoga regularly and so happy to be doing it with @sarvayogastudios on their app! Something really cool coming up with my dear friend @sarvesh_shashi."

"Extend your limits. Go hard."

"Balancing act with home training sessions ⚖️💪 @smartstrengthindia @sachinnrana."

--Rishabh Pant--

--KL Rahul--

"Ending the week strong."

"Burning that midnight oil."

--Devdutt Paddikal--

"Push yourself, push your limits."

--Nitish Rana--

"Getting better than yesterday."

"Ready to get in better shape again!"

--Mohammed Siraj--

Another of Siraj's workouts.

"Getting ready for it🤙 #playbold#rcb"

--Shivam Dube--

"In these testing times, it is very important to #stayfit #fitness #exercise #workouts."

"Push your limits... not excuses."

"In these tough times, it's important to take care of our physical health as well as our mental health. Thank you @ramesh.powar for nominating me for the #mentalhealthawarness 25 push-ups challenge."

Since then the Indian cricket team has participated in the IPL 2020 edition which was held in UAE and is currently playing against a touring England cricket team.