Passing Yo-Yo Test Mandatory For Selection In The Indian Team
BCCI CEO Rahul Johri has confirmed passing the Yo-Yo endurance test is mandatory prior to getting selected in the Indian team.
The Yo-Yo test has been the talk of the town since reports emerged that senior cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina were not considered for selection in the Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team after they failed the fitness test. However, there was ambiguity surrounding the reports. While some said that the southpaws missed out on the national team due to failing the test, some completely dismissed it.
Well, Johri has not made the whole matter crystal clear by revealing that passing the fitness test is mandatory.
“The captain, coach and chief selector, along with the other members of the selection committee in consultation with the support staff (trainer and physio), have set the parameters. The fitness parameters set by the team management for athletes to be eligible for selection are non-negotiable,” BCCI CEO Rahul Johri was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
The BCCI official also said that the Indian players are told to attain the basic scores but the fitness bar will be raised in the coming days.
“On the yo-yo scale, the grade needed to be achieved is 16.1, which is the minimum standard set for an elite international sportsman. The players have been informed of such parameters and most current players have already achieved this standard. In case of any exceptions, we’ve given them sufficient time to raise their fitness levels,” added Johri.
Johri further said the current squad members were picked after they cleared the Yo-Yo Test as per the requirements of the team management.
Meanwhile, a team member from the earlier coaching staff has warned that passing the Yo-Yo test should not become the only parameter of selecting a cricketer.
“The yo-yo test can’t be the only criterion to test a cricketer’s fitness. It’s a skill-based sport. There’s so much mental stamina that’s required too,” said the unnamed member. “While standardisation is good, one has to keep in mind the preparation time given to a player before the test and also how much cricket he’s played.”
