Delhi summers are the worst, with the mercury crossing the threshold of 50 on the Celsius scale. People tend to reside indoors most of the days until and unless it’s extremely important to go out in the sun. Since it is completely landlocked, there’s no way you can expect comfort from the breeze. But does this mean no cricket for the entire summer season? Obviously not! With box cricket, you can enjoy the game while ensuring you are not exposed to the sun’s glare. Most venues have their spots open for evening or late-night matches when the heat subsides greatly.
Playing in such weather is comforting and relaxing. At least then your energy levels won’t deplete rapidly. Although it sounds great, if you are planning to play box cricket in Delhi, you need to keep your health at optimal levels. Hydration is the key to keeping the body cool and ensuring you can enjoy the game to the fullest without any worries. But will drinking water be enough to keep your body’s hydration levels at the top when you are playing cricket? To answer your worries, we have articulated a detailed hydration guide for summer box cricket in cities like Delhi.
Why is hydration important to playing summer box cricket?
Preventing heat illness
One of the many reasons why you need to keep yourself hydrated to play summer box cricket in Delhi is to prevent heat illnesses. The moment your body gets dehydrated, you will feel exhausted, dizzy, and even nauseous. In extreme cases, it can also lead to heatstroke. So, you need to maintain your body’s core temperature, which is why hydration is crucial.
Optimizing physical abilities
The moment your body runs out of water content, you will start feeling the effect in your physical movements. Your motor functions will be delayed, and after a lot of physical exertion, you may feel numbness in your limbs. Besides, your speed and agility will reduce with time, and you won’t be able to play to your full potential. Hence, hydration is the key to ensuring you can become the ace of the match.
Maintaining concentration and focus
Cognitive functions are greatly impacted once your body’s hydration levels take a dip. It will further affect your focus and concentration, making it difficult to make the right call during summer box cricket in Delhi. That’s why you should drink enough water and opt for other ways to keep yourself hydrated and energized. This way, your judgment won’t be impaired, and you can focus completely on the game.
Improving reaction time
Even though box cricket in delhi doesn’t have the stringent rules of traditional field cricket, you need to bring your A game to win the match. It can only be done if you have an excellent reaction time, especially for batting and fielding. So, keep your body well hydrated so that your response skills are not put at stake, especially when it’s the last over and you need to score the points for your team.
Preventing muscle cramps and joint pains
When your body is dehydrated, the electrolytic balance will be distorted. It will increase the risk of muscle cramps and sudden joint aches. You are bound to have excruciating pain in your knees, calves, shoulders, and even hands after playing box cricket for long hours during the summer. That’s why you should keep yourself hydrated as much as possible. This will regulate the electrolytic balance, ensuring your muscles and bones remain safe from sudden cramps and aches.
How to keep yourself hydrated for playing summer box cricket?
Before the game (Pre-hydration)
- Do not leave hydration until the day of the box cricket match. Instead, increase your water intake for at least 2 days prior. It will help your body adjust accordingly and maintain optimal hydration levels.
- Your body cells need to absorb the water you are drinking for them to stay hydrated. So, drinking lots of fluids all at once is not effective. Instead, continue to sip water and other fluids throughout the day so that your body gets enough time for absorption.
- It’s easy to judge if you are hydrated enough or not through your urine’s color. If it’s pale yellow in color, it means your body has enough water. On the other hand, a darker yellow shade indicates dehydration.
- If you are working out before the day of the match, take electrolytic drinks. These will help restore the ionic balance of your body, ensuring you won’t end up with severe muscle cramps or joint aches during the match.
During the game (Maintaining hydration)
- While playing box cricket, do not wait for your body to tell you if you are thirsty. Rather, continue to drink water or other fluids at regular intervals. Whenever there’s a pause in the game, come out of the arena and have your share of water.
- Always carry your own water bottle with a refilling facility. You can also carry a separate bottle of electrolytic water. It’s more necessary when you are playing back-to-back matches for longer hours.
- Be sure to follow the signs your body might be telling you about dehydration. Take a break the moment you feel weak or dizzy, as these are clear signs your cells have run out of water storage. Rest for at least 15 minutes, and drink as much water as possible. It will help cool down the core temperature and prevent any further heat-related illness.
After the game (Rehydration)
- Drink water as soon as the game ends. Do not wait for you to reach home, as time is crucial, and rehydrating the body instantly will help you feel relaxed.
- You need to increase your water intake after the match. Always drink at regular temperature to avoid catching a cold or sore throat.
- Add a bottle of electrolytic drink to your hydration kit so that the ionic balance can be restored.
Conclusion
Since you are now aware of how important hydration is, you won’t take a chance with it for your next summer box cricket match. If you want to play to your full potential without suffering from any post-match health impact, start following the hydration regime we explained above.
