Former Zimbabwe all-rounder Neil Johnson has been appointed by the BCCI as the Indian team's yoga instructor for the tour of South Africa.
Gary Kirsten has bolstered his support staff with the addition of Johnson and will probably be hoping to get his players supple and as fit as they can be for their grueling South African sojourn. The former all-rounder was seen doing a few yoga asanas along with the players after India lost the first Test at Centurion by an innings and 25 runs.
The Indian team's manager Ranjib Biswal, confirmed the appointment of Johnson, but refused to let him talk to the media.
Yoga is meant to relax one's mind and body and Kirsten who's no stranger to innovation is looking at this ancient Indian practice to rejuvenate the side in time for the Cricket World Cup in 2011 and more importantly the remaining two Tests against the Proteas.
Johnson was a distinguished all-rounder for Zimbabwe during his time but his international career was short-lived. He shot to fame in the 1999 Cricket World Cup in England where he got three man-of-the-match awards.
But despite such highs, Johnson wasn't happy with Zimbabwean cricket and eventually settled in South Africa where he continued to play domestic cricket.
Johnson's new avatar as India's yoga instructor could be a Godsend as the Indian players have suffered from recurring injuries in the past. The Indian support staff currently includes two South Africans: Paddy Upton as a mental conditioning coach and Eric Simons as bowling consultant.