An all-rounder plays an important role in building a team and winning matches. However, Triumph Knights (TK), a team in the T20 Mumbai League
Pratik Dabholkar
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An all-rounder plays an important role in building a team and winning matches. However, Triumph Knights (TK), a team in the T20 Mumbai League, have a different kind of all-rounder in Pratik Dabholkar. He is a professional fitness trainer who has worked with Pro Kabaddi team Puneri Paltan. He is now part of TK as a fast bowler. The inaugural T20 Mumbai League kicks off at the Wankhede Stadium tomorrow when TK take on Sobo Supersonics in the second match of the day.
Dabholkar, 26, who has been working at former India pacer Zaheer Khan's fitness centres for the last three years, was bought by TK for Rs2,60,000 despite his base price being Rs50,000. In 2012, he was part of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad for the game against Gujarat at the DY Patil Stadium in Nerul, but didn't make the playing XI.
'Will also help as trainer'
"I got picked [at the auction] as a fast bowler, so my main aim is to get wickets and help my team win matches. Though there is a fitness trainer with the team, I will also help our players as a fitness trainer to bring the best out of them," said Dabholkar. Of his Pro Kabaddi activities, Dabholkar said: "Three weeks before the League in May, our player Rohit Chaudhary dislocated his shoulder. Chances of him recovering were thin but with proper treatment and rehab, he recovered within four weeks and performed well in the tournament.
Such experiences provide one immense satisfaction. "Being a fast bowler, I have a fair idea of fitness and the importance of physical training. My stint in kabaddi was a good experience. It is a contact sport, played with high intensity so chances of injuries are greater."
'Will enjoy the challenge'
Dabholkar is a regular in the MIG Cricket Club team for local tournaments. "The T20 League is a good opportunity for me and I will enjoy the challenge of being a bowler," he said.
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