BCCI Might Bring Back Yo-Yo Test: After Team India’s 1-3 defeat in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, the BCCI has gone into action mode. This loss also dashed India’s hopes of reaching the final of the ICC World Test Championship. In response, the board appears to be planning some tough decisions.
According to reports, the BCCI is considering appointing a batting coach and has also urged senior players to participate in domestic cricket. Additionally, the board is reportedly contemplating reinstating a rule that was implemented during Virat Kohli’s captaincy, a rule that had previously been questioned by Gautam Gambhir.
BCCI Considers Reintroducing Fitness Criteria for Selection
According to a report by the Times of India, the BCCI has been advised to revert to fitness criteria for selection instead of focusing solely on injury prevention. During Virat Kohli’s captaincy, players were selected based on the Yo-Yo test, but this was later removed. Sources stated, “The board had become lenient towards players due to frequent travel. The focus shifted to injury prevention, and some players took this lightly. It is being considered that a specific fitness level criteria need to be reintroduced to prevent complacency.”
🚨 UPDATE ON BCCI PLANNING BRING BACK STRICT FITNESS IN TEAM INDIA 🚨
– Planning to bring back Yo-Yo Test.
– Fitness criteria for selection in the team.
– Some players take fitness lightly.
– planning to introduce fitness criteria for India’s selection. (TOI). pic.twitter.com/MWL4DZH9Ot— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 16, 2025
Gautam Gambhir Critiques Yo-Yo Test as a Sole Fitness Standard
Previously, the BCCI had set a cut-off score of 16.5 for the Yo-Yo test. Only players who passed this test were considered available for selection. The Yo-Yo test was cancelled in consideration of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Since its introduction, opinions have been divided within the Indian cricket community. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar suggested abandoning fitness standards as a mandatory selection criterion. Head coach Gautam Gambhir also raised concerns about the necessity of the Yo-Yo test for determining fitness.
In an interview in June 2024, Gambhir stated, “Fitness should be a factor, but I don’t believe we need to pass a fitness test to be called fit. I disagree with this approach.” Gambhir added, “Fitness should be directly related to the trainer. If the trainer feels that a player is fit enough, some individuals might be physically strong enough to lift heavy weights in the gym, but that doesn’t guarantee selection based solely on the Yo-Yo test.” He continued, “Selection should be based on a player’s talent, batting, and bowling skills. It’s the trainer’s responsibility to work on fitness and improve physical performance. It seems unfair to not select a player simply because they fail the Yo-Yo test.”
What Is the Yo-Yo Test?
The Yo-Yo test, also known as the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, involves a shuttle run back and forth between two markers at increasing speeds. The test continues until a player is unable to keep up with the required speed, which helps measure their cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness level.
Importance in Cricket
As cricket has evolved, the demands on players have become more intense. To endure long matches, recover between games, and perform at their best, players must be in top physical condition. The Yo-Yo test has become a key measure of fitness, especially for formats like T20, where agility and stamina are crucial. It helps determine if a player meets the fitness standards required for their team.
