A Comparative Study of Physical Fitness, Psychological, and Anthropometric Profiles of West Zone Cricket Players
Dr. Anita Malge
Abstract
Cricket is one of the most widely followed and competitive sports in India, attracting a large number of young athletes with promising talent. However, only a limited number of players succeed in reaching elite levels of performance. Talent identification and development in cricket require not only technical skills but also a strong foundation in physical fitness, psychological preparedness, and appropriate body composition.
Physical fitness is a critical determinant of performance in cricket, influencing endurance, strength, speed, and agility. Regular and systematic assessment of fitness components is essential for monitoring progress and enhancing performance (Bangsbo, 1994). Alongside physical attributes, psychological factors such as mental toughness, motivation, and emotional control play a vital role in determining an athlete’s success (Loehr, 1986).
Anthropometric characteristics, including body size, proportions, and composition, provide valuable insights into a player’s physical suitability for the sport (Norton & Olds, 1996). Together, these parameters help support staff—coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, administrators, selectors, and players—in making informed decisions regarding training, injury prevention, and player development.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) categorizes domestic cricket into five zones: East, West, North, South, and Central. The present study focuses on a comparative analysis of Under-19 players from the West Zone.