If you’ve played cricket—even at a gully level—you know it’s not as “gentle” as outsiders think. Dive once on a hard pitch, bowl 15 overs on a humid Mumbai afternoon, or take a sharp catch at short-leg, and your body will remind you of it the next morning.

As a sports injury doctor in Mulund, I meet school cricketers, weekend players, even semi-pros who all come in with the same issues: sore knees, stiff backs, swollen fingers. The funny thing is, most of these injuries aren’t freak accidents—they’re simply the result of wear and tear or ignoring warning signs.

So, let’s break down the seven injuries I see the most, and more importantly, how you can keep them at bay.

1. Shoulder Pain – Fielders’ Curse

Those rocket throws from the boundary? Great for the highlight reel, but tough on the shoulder. Overarm throwing without proper warm-up is like revving a cold car engine—eventually, it breaks.

Tip: Strengthen with light band workouts, don’t skip warm-ups, and pace your throws.

2. Knee Trouble for Fast Bowlers

Ask any pacer and they’ll tell you—knees take a beating. That front leg slams down hundreds of times in a season. Bowlers like Zaheer Khan lived this nightmare.

Tip: Strong thighs = happy knees. Focus on quads, hamstrings, and wear proper shoes with a cushion.

3. Lower Back Injuries

This one silently ruins careers. Bumrah’s stress fracture is the perfect example. Bowlers twist, bend, and load the spine repeatedly—something has to give.

Tip: Build a strong core. Planks, bridges, Pilates. And if your back nags you every net session, don’t brush it off. Early care saves months.

4. Finger and Wrist Issues

Every batter has had that moment: ball hits awkwardly, finger balloons up. Wicketkeepers? They’re in a league of their own with sprains.

Tip: Sports taping and grip training help. Don’t think “it’s just a finger”—that one digit decides how you hold the bat.

5. Hamstring Pulls

You’re sprinting for a second run, then suddenly… pull up mid-pitch. Classic hamstring strain. We’ve all seen it on TV.

Tip: Warm up properly. Do short sprints in practice. Stay hydrated—it matters more than you think.

6. Ankle Sprains

One bad landing after a dive and your ankle twists. The pain and swelling show up in minutes.

Tip: Balance drills help. So do good shoes. If you’ve sprained before, rehab fully—half-healed ankles sprain again.

7. Overuse Injuries

This is the sneaky one. Elbow tendinitis, shin pain, stress fractures—none happen overnight. They creep in when rest is ignored.

Where Physio Fits In

Here’s the truth: good cricket-specific physiotherapy in Mumbai isn’t just about treatment after you’re hurt. It’s about preventing the next one. Taping, strengthening, recovery drills—all these keep players on the ground, not on the bench.

Closing Thought

Injuries are part of cricket, but suffering through them isn’t mandatory. The earlier you act, the quicker you heal, and the longer you play. Whether it’s knee pain, a sore back, or a stubborn shoulder, don’t wait till it sidelines you.

FAQs

Q: What injuries do bowlers and batsmen face most?
A: Bowlers: knees, backs, and shoulders.
Batsmen: fingers, hamstrings, and wrists.

Q: Can physiotherapy stop injuries from coming back?
A: Absolutely. By fixing weak areas and correcting technique, physio reduces repeat injuries. It’s prevention plus repair.