“Stop Sending Cricketers to the Gym!” – Yograj Singh’s Shocking Take on Bumrah’s Injuries

Former Indian batter and Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, sparked controversy with his recent comments blaming modern gym practices for Jasprit Bumrah’s frequent injuries..

Yograj Singh Blames Gym Culture for Injuries to Bumrah, Pandya, and Shami

In an interview with InsideSport, Yograj argued that cricketers don’t need to rely on gym workouts to maintain fitness.. Instead, he emphasized the importance of improving flexibility. Bumrah’s workload has been widely discussed, especially after the BCCI confirmed he won’t play all five Test matches against England. Yograj also singled out all-rounder Hardik Pandya, along with Mohammed Shami, criticizing their approach to bodybuilding.

“Bumrah has been injured four times. You know why? That’s because of the gym,” Yograj said. “There are other players as well, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya. You don’t need to do bodybuilding. Back in the day, West Indian bowlers like Michael Holding were all flexible. Viv Richards didn’t even go to the gym until he was 35.”

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Yograj Singh Warns: Early Gym Training Causes Injuries, Not Fitness

Yograj went on to say that cricketers should only start gym training around the age of 35. Going hard on the gym early in their careers, he believes, makes muscles stiff and tight.

“I’m shocked that cricketers go to the gym so young. The gym is meant for when you’re 35-36 years old. Otherwise, your muscles get stiff. Strengthening should start around 36-37 when your body starts to decline. That’s when the gym can help,” he explained.

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He urged cricketers to reduce their gym sessions and focus more on flexibility training.

“Today’s youngsters are going to the gym too much. That’s why injuries happen. Thirty to forty years ago, injuries were almost zero because cricket requires a flexible, gymnast-like body. Players should focus on bodyweight exercises like pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and core workouts. For God’s sake, stop sending cricketers to the gym,” he concluded.

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