Chennai: The doping controversy has reared its head again. Cricket faces another challenge.

While it would be premature to name Mohammed Asif guilty of drug abuse during the IPL before the verdict on his `B’ sample is known, there have been whispers of cricketers, pacemen in particular, consuming banned substances to enhance their performances.

What are these prohibited substances and how do they work on a sportsperson’s body? The Hindu spoke to Dr. Kinjal Suratwala, who heads the Sports Science department in the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

"You have these anabolic steroids that help build muscle mass and strength," he says. Anabolic steroids are common among those pursuing power sports; Testosterone is among the more prominent names in this territory.