Following Virat Kohli’s quick social media posting of his yo-yo test results, the Indian cricket team management instructed its players not to post their fitness test results online. News agencies reported that BCCI executives disapproved of their star player disclosing such sensitive information. All of the players participating in the training boot camp at Alur in Bangalore are reportedly verbally aware of the board’s decision. The earlier Kohli posted on his Instagram story, where he stated, “The joy of completing the yo-yo test between the dreaded cones,” he was overjoyed with his yo-yo test result. 17.2 done.” However, the BCCI didn’t find it humorous.
BCCI official confirmed that “Players have been warned not to post any private information on social media channels. They are permitted to upload images of their workouts, but sharing a score constitutes a breach of the contract”.
Cricket, the heartbeat of a billion, demands players to be at their peak, not just with skills but also with fitness. One of the yardsticks for this is the Yo-Yo test, a fitness assessment that’s stirred controversies and raised eyebrows. In this article, we’ll delve into the test, its criteria, and even uncover some surprising names who couldn’t conquer it.
The Yo-Yo Test Unveiled:
The Yo-Yo test, a gruelling fitness assessment, is an indispensable part of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) contract. But why, you ask? This test is the Holy Grail for assessing an individual’s aerobic endurance and overall fitness level, a critical aspect for cricketing prowess.
To excel in the Yo-Yo test, cricketers must meet or exceed specific fitness benchmarks. The test consists of repeated 20-meter shuttle runs, interspersed with brief recovery periods. Players must run back and forth, ensuring they cross the line before a beep sounds.
The speed of the shuttle runs gradually increases, making it more challenging. To pass, a player must reach a certain level, often set by the team management or the BCCI. These benchmarks can vary from time to time and are categorized by a player’s position on the field. Facing the Yo-Yo test is no walk in the park. Players, drenched in sweat, push their bodies to the limit as they sprint back and forth on the cricket field. The test assesses not only their physical endurance but also their mental resilience.
Legends Who Couldn’t Cross the Yo-Yo Hurdle
Even cricketing legends aren’t immune to the Yo-Yo test’s unforgiving standards. Some iconic names have faltered on this fitness journey. Let’s take a moment to remember these cricketing greats:
- Yuvraj Singh: The dynamic left-hander, known for his six-hitting prowess, couldn’t make the cut in the Yo-Yo test in 2017 which is why he couldn’t make into Sri Lanka tour.
2. Suresh Raina: A fielding dynamo and a reliable middle-order batsman, Raina faced the same fate as Yuvraj in 2017, where he failed in yoyo test and disqualified from Sri Lanka tour.
3. Ambati Rayudu: Despite his consistency in domestic cricket, Rayudu’s Yo-Yo test performance raised questions. Where in 2018 a month prior to ODI series in England he was withdrawn from the team.
4. Sanju Samson: The young and talented wicketkeeper-batsman had to wait for his international debut due to the Yo-Yo test. Where back in 2018 Samson failed to pass yoyo test and got disqualified from India’s A team before tout to England, where later after a month he passed the test and made a comeback in to the team.
5. Varun Chakaravarthy: Even the mystery spinner fastly entered into India’s T20 Squad couldn’t stay for long in team. He had to prove his fitness in 2021 where he failed twice and lost his spot in team India.
The Yo-Yo test remains a defining benchmark for fitness in Indian cricket. Its strict criteria ensure that players represent the nation not only with their skills but also with their physical prowess. As for Virat Kohli, his BCCI warning serves as a reminder that even the best must stay in peak shape to wear the Indian jersey proudly.
