Behind The Scenes With Australian Legends : Abhishek Sawant’s Unforgettable Time With The Team Down Under

The Legends League was packed with international icons which reignited memories. Abhishek Sawant, a physiotherapist from Mumbai was parachuted in to serve the Australian Legends. Sawant had an unforgettable time with the team. He sat down with Cricketgraph and described his time with the team down under: 

When did you come to know about this assignment and what was your reaction?

I was home and on 9th September, I got a call from Vaibhav Daga, The Head of Sports and Rehabilitation at Kokilaben Hospital. He asked me what my immediate plans were for the coming weeks and said “I want you to work with the Australian Legends in the Road Safety World Series. Pack your bags, we’re leaving tomorrow.” He told me the other 7 teams had the support staff assigned already but for the Australians, they required someone who could live up to high expectations with experience and since I wasn’t associated with the Mumbai Cricket Association anymore, I took it up as a challenge and a learning experience. It was quite the shock and I was quite excited too. 

How did you feel when you interacted with them for the first time?

Immediately after the call, I looked up the team. The team was packed; Shane Watson, Brad Hodge, Brett Lee, Brad Haddin, Callum Ferguson to name a few. So many world cup winners and retired legends in the team. Apart from being a great player, they were modest and polite who made me feel like a part of their family. Actually, the first person I met was Brett Lee. Brett and I were catching the same flight as we both were arriving late. I was waiting for an opportunity to meet him but it happened only after we landed. We conversed and bonded on the ride to the hotel room from the airport. It was as surreal as it could get. 

As a physiotherapist, what were the challenges you faced and how did you cope with it? 

As I mentioned earlier, the Australians were thorough professionals. As they are retired now, I knew that they must have undergone numerous injuries, surgeries, and rehabs throughout their career.

During their prolonged career, they must have gone through numerous physios. The main challenge was to provide and deliver the same standard of care and treatment that they would receive back there in Australia.  I saw this as an opportunity and believed in my work that I could deliver the same standard of care. My focus was to do the right things at the right time. 

Post training and matches, Girish Gawde and I, our team massage therapist, used to have a detailed discussion about all the players and plan their recovery. The climate conditions here in India are more or less hot and humid in general, so recovery was the key to get them up and going focusing more on hydration and sleep. I used to look after the niggles that the players used to have post matches and schedule their timings for the massages with Girish. I used to take the players to the gym for rehab work. As there was no strength and conditioning coach with the team, I had to often look after the training as well. As the Australians love playing Footy, we used to incorporate it as part of active recovery post game.

You were the physio for the Mumbai Ranji Trophy Team, how different and unique was working with the Australian Legends as compared to a first class team?

In one word, “Professionalism”. I understood the real meaning of that word after my stint here. They were always very particular and respectful about everything. One thing that fascinated me was their punctuality. If there was an appointment of 12 noon, the players would be there 5 minutes prior. The fact that career success and glory never meddled with their professionalism is absolutely captivating. I remember Brett was scheduled for a session at 12 but was running late due to unforeseeable situation. He messaged me saying he would be there by 12:02 and apologized. The moment it struck 2 minutes past twelve, he was geared up and ready. All members of the Australian Legends never took anything for granted either. They were generous and communicated openly. All training programs were religiously followed. No wonder they were the world world champions. 

Could you share a fond memory ?

As a genuine fan of cricket, I grew up watching the yellow jersey dominate and win 3 back to back World Cups. Just the pure fact that I would be sharing the dressing room with them and have an opportunity to showcase my skills just seems like a dream come true.

If I had to pick one, I would say my time with Brett Lee was something I would cherish forever. Since the car ride till the final day of the tour, we shared a lot of wonderful memories. I remember, after the first game, Brett had come to me with an injury. The injury seemed severe as he had to sit out for a few games. During his break, we worked together tirelessly to make him match-fit. A lot of focus on rehab and attaining peak fitness. Fortunately the injury was resolved and he played the next game. Brett bowled magnificently and most importantly, without any niggles. During the time out, he called me on the field. As soon as I arrived, he hugged me tightly and appreciated my efforts there and there itself. I will never forget that moment ever. I also spent time with his son, Preston. Even we shared an amazing bond. We ate, trained and spent a lot of time together. 

They used to call me and Girish the A-Team. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my time there as their physio. All players treated me as their friend. They used to check on me to make sure I wasn’t left out of anything. No attitude, no ego, just a bunch of good blokes playing cricket.

After a successful but short stint with the Australian Legends, where can we see you working as a physiotherapist?

After an emphatic and unexpected tour like this, my immediate focus is back on my personal clients. I opted not to be associated with the Mumbai Cricket Association as I want to look forward to new challenges. I grew as a physiotherapist and shared the dressing room with talented cricketers at MCA for the last 5 years. I am nothing but grateful for it. Apart from my practice, I would like to be a part of an IPL team in the coming months. 

Abhishek Sawant looks to push his luck in franchise leagues and challenge himself.