As the ICC Champions Trophy approaches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, all eyes are on India’s performance, with concerns rising over whether Virat Kohli will play due to his injury. Speculation suggests that if Kohli is unavailable, Rohit Sharma may move KL Rahul to No. 3, and Rishabh Pant would likely step into the playing XI as the only available specialist batter in the squad, according to Zee News.
Pant, known for being one of the fittest players on the team, underwent a remarkable transformation, losing 16 kilograms in just four months to achieve peak fitness. His weight loss journey began in late December 2023, when he adopted a calorie-deficit diet. By consuming fewer calories than his body required, Pant created an energy deficit, leading to weight loss. On days when his body needed 1,400 calories, he limited himself to only 1,000. This strict diet was challenging, especially with the intense training he needed to regain his match fitness and strengthen his injured right leg.
A key factor in Pant’s transformation was his carefully crafted diet. Notably, he severely restricted his intake of extra virgin olive oil to just 5 milliliters a day. This limitation required creative cooking to make his meals enjoyable. For instance, his favorite chilly chicken had to be reimagined to fit within this small oil allowance. During this period, Goan bhindi (okra) was also a regular part of his diet.
Beyond his diet, Pant also adhered to a disciplined sleep schedule to aid his recovery and training. To ensure 8-9 hours of restful sleep, he turned off all electronic devices, including phones, tablets, and televisions, by 11 PM. This sleep routine was critical for his recovery and optimal performance during training.
Pant’s approach also included rigorous training to regain match fitness. His daily routine involved up to two and a half hours of batting practice and 45 minutes of wicketkeeping sessions, especially as the Indian Premier League (IPL) season neared. This well-rounded approach ensured Pant was physically prepared for the demands of professional cricket.
