- Tuesday, March 11, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
Defending champions India were set to take on arch-rivals Pakistan once again in the ongoing Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday (4). After defeating minnows Hong Kong, the giants will now play each other in the Super Four stage in their missions to make the final.
Ahead of the mother of all battles at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium where India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets in a thriller last Sunday (28), all eyes were set on Virat Kohli who has found himself back among some runs after a long while.
The 33-year-old former India captain, who hit 35 against Pakistan followed by an unbeaten 59 against Hong Kong, an international half century after months, was seen sweating it out in an unusual training session at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai.
Virat Kohli using high altitude mask during cardio training. A technique used by elite athletes, especially long distance runners to strengthen their lungs and breathing muscles. pic.twitter.com/FV3RY3Rmo7
— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) September 2, 2022
India, who had an off day on Thursday (1), went for an optional training session on Friday (2) and while the top names generally are not part of such sessions, the veteran batter decided to join and he was seen training wearing a high-altitude mask which is used in areas where air pressure is low. It was not the first time that the cricketer was spotted training with such masks on but on all previous instances, he did it during gym sessions.
During the session, Kohli took short sprints with a 30-second break in between. It is a cardio activity which enhances the heart and lung capacities. In the high-altitude areas, the oxygen supply is less and a very small quantity enters one’s lungs. When someone goes to hills, it is advised that he or she doesn’t engage in much running and rather familiarise the body to the conditions.
With his special training, Kohli was preparing to perform more with less oxygen supply so that when he runs without the mask, his performance is much better.
