Lions move to new den in search of meat, peace
RAJKOT: Players have often highlighted fatigue as one of the biggest challenges they face in the IPL. The almost two-month T20 tournament becomes a mental battle for teams with the constant travel across eight to 10 venues in different states and cities taking its toll on them.
The summer temperature is another major challenge. Rajkot, Gujarat Lions’ home base, for instance, saw the temperature peak at 44-45 degrees Celsius in the last week.
Gujarat Lions have taken extra measures to ensure their players and support staff are always in shape to deliver their best. In a first in IPL, Gujarat have booked an entire luxurious resort, The Regency Lagoon, on the outskirts of Rajkot, where the SCA Stadium is also located. The idea was mooted by team CEO Col Arvinder Singh.
In the last IPL, the team stayed in a five-star hotel in the city.
This time the fans don’t crowd the hotel lobby and the players enjoy privacy.
FULL ACCESS
A source informed HT that players are able to get exclusive access to the swimming pool, gym and other sports facilities because the entire property is booked by the team management.
The team meeting room has the players’ posters and motivational messages to inspire the players.
One big advantages for the Gujarat Lions players is the variety of non-vegetarian food available. “There is plenty of variety in non-vegetarian food at the resort. The last season, options were limited at the five-star hotel. Especially in Gujarat, non-vegetarian food is a bit of a task, and a lot of players prefer non-vegetarian fare.
“The advantage here is that there isn’t anyone else apart from the team, so everything from food to ambience is as per the team’s liking,” said the source.
At the resort, players have their team bonding sessions and get-togethers. They take out their bicycles and ride to Nyari Dam, which is close to the resort, to unwind.
Former India coach John Wright, who managed Mumbai Indians a few seasons ago, had got the dressing room walls to be done up in the team jersey’s colour and pasted motivational messages on them.