The study “Genetic Markers and Talent Identification: Exploring Genetic Predispositions for Cricketing Skills among Indian Youth” assessed Cricket in India is played across diverse climatic conditions, exposing players to a range of environmental stressors that can significantly influence their physiology and performance. This study examines the impact of climate and environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, altitude, and air quality, on Indian cricketers, with a focus on their physiological responses and cricket-specific performance. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining environmental data analysis, physiological assessments, and performance evaluations. Forty professional male cricketers were categorized into two groups based on exposure to high-temperature and high-humidity regions or high-altitude cooler regions.
Key findings revealed that players in high-temperature regions experienced significant increases in core body temperature, dehydration levels, and cardiovascular strain, leading to reduced reaction times, running efficiency, and fielding accuracy. Conversely, high-altitude players showed mild hypoxia due to lower oxygen saturation, impacting endurance during prolonged matches. Despite these challenges, players demonstrated remarkable adaptability to varying environmental conditions.
The study highlights the critical role of tailored training interventions, including optimized hydration strategies, acclimatization protocols, and environment-specific conditioning, in mitigating the adverse effects of environmental stressors. These findings provide actionable insights for coaches, sports scientists, and policymakers to enhance player performance and well-being. By leveraging evidence-based strategies, Indian cricketers can continue to excel under diverse and challenging playing conditions, contributing to their sustained success in competitive cricket.