Ahmedabad: The extraordinary rise of Washington Sundar and Sai Sudharsan in red-ball cricket isn’t just about their raw talent; it’s a testament to their exceptional mental fortitude. Off the field, mental conditioning coach Raymun Roy has crafted a groundbreaking program, merging ancient yogic wisdom, modern neuroscience, and meticulous cricket analysis. This unique approach, incorporating methods like quantum breathwork, hypnotherapy, and visualization, has empowered these cricketers to remain calm, laser-focused, and dominant even under the most intense pressure.
Sundar showcased his prowess in India’s away Test series against England, proving to be a true match-winner. Similarly, 23-year-old Sudharsan delivered a masterclass during India A’s recent four-day matches against Australia A, notably scoring a century as his team successfully chased an imposing target of 412 runs. Their consistent ability to perform under duress highlights the profound impact of their mental preparation.
The secret to Sundar and Sudharsan’s remarkable clarity and mental resilience lies in this innovative framework developed by mental conditioning coach Raymun Roy. This comprehensive program seamlessly blends traditional yogic disciplines with cutting-edge neuroscience and in-depth cricket analysis. Sundar has been a part of Roy’s program for almost two years, while Sudharsan joined after the IPL 2023 final, quickly recognizing its transformative power.
Roy reveals that their collaboration has largely been a private affair, ‘like a secret being executed behind the scenes.’ He himself embarked on this path after an injury cut short his cricket career, leading him to explore yoga.
A trip to the Sivananda Yoga Ashram in Kerala proved life-changing for Roy, sparking the idea of integrating yoga’s profound benefits with the demanding world of cricket.
The program’s core components include Vipassana, Pranayama, and a technique called ‘quantum breathwork.’ This breathwork is designed to foster calmness and enhance reaction time, encouraging players to focus solely on the present moment rather than dwelling on outcomes. Quantum breathwork can be employed continuously throughout the day, even between deliveries, to quickly re-enter a state of optimal focus. Complementing these yogic practices are advanced neuroscience techniques, such as hypnotherapy, which allows players to access their subconscious for rapid mental preparation and visualization. Goal-setting and reactive cognitive training are also crucial, enabling cricketers to mentally rehearse matches and significantly reduce performance anxiety.
Roy continuously refines his methods, integrating new tools like solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), which he likens to ‘a gym for the brain.’ Beyond mental exercises, his work also involves detailed cricket analysis, meticulously fine-tuning game plans against specific opponents to maximize player effectiveness.
This multi-faceted approach empowers players to achieve higher levels of performance through unparalleled focus. Roy’s expertise has benefited hundreds of cricketers, including notable Indian talents like Manan Vohra, as well as many others globally.
Roy emphasizes that his client base has grown purely through word-of-mouth referrals. While initially challenging to persuade cricketers, the tangible benefits quickly won them over. Sai Sudharsan, particularly drawn to breathwork, visualization, and meditation, proactively sought out Roy. Their daily practice sessions, sometimes even at midnight during the IPL, underscore Sudharsan’s unwavering commitment. Roy’s primary goal with Sai is to guide him into a profound, trance-like state, centered on the simple act of observing his breath.
Before matches, Sai employs specific breathing techniques taught by Roy. A key exercise involves visually tracking the ball, then subtly altering its perceived position to activate his neuro-system. Roy explains, ‘Just as commentators note a batsman seeing the ball like a football after an hour at the crease, our mental training — by activating the prefrontal cortex and the brain before batting — allows Sai to perceive the ball with exceptional clarity and a heightened sense of calm from the very first delivery.’ This deep trust in Roy’s innovative methods is reflected in Sudharsan’s impressive run tallies, as he remains ‘locked in’ from the outset.
Sai Sudharsan himself attests to the transformative power of Roy’s modules. ‘Breathwork,’ he states, ‘has significantly enhanced my ability to remain present and react effectively on the field. Controlling your breath is key to controlling many aspects of your game.’
Interestingly, Roy’s collaboration with Washington Sundar began during India’s South Africa tour in December 2023, sparked by a conversation Sundar had with Sai Sudharsan.
Sundar, intrigued by Sai’s experience with the breathing and meditation techniques, decided to give it a try. He initially committed to ten sessions, with the understanding that he would continue only if he found them beneficial. Roy happily recounts that Sundar was thoroughly satisfied and subsequently requested Roy to accompany him during the IPL 2024. Through their ongoing breathing and meditation sessions, Sundar reports feeling ‘very aware, conscious, and present’ in his game.
At one point, Roy considered leaving cricket entirely to become a full-time yoga teacher. Yet, the sport pulled him back. After a six-month stint as a freelance cricket analyst, the demanding workload reignited his desire to focus purely on yoga. But fate had other plans; from a solo laptop user in Tiruchirappalli, he found himself deeply re-engaged with cricket, now mentoring numerous clients, a testament to his unique journey and the effectiveness of his methods.