BCCI is in action mode after Team India’s defeat in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia. With the 1-3 loss, India’s dream of reaching the final of the ICC World Test Championship was shattered. Since then the board seems to be in a mood to take some tough decisions.
If reports are to be believed, BCCI is considering the appointment of a batting coach. Besides, the board has also asked senior players to play in domestic cricket. Now if reports are to be believed, the board is once again considering bringing back the rule which was there during the captaincy of Virat Kohli and the rule on which Gambhir had raised questions.
According to the Times of India report, it has been suggested to the board that the medical team should go back to fitness criteria for selection instead of focusing on injury prevention. During the captaincy of Virat Kohli, players were selected on the basis of Yo-Yo test, but it was later removed.
Sources said, “The board had become lenient towards the players as they are traveling a lot. The focus had shifted to injury prevention only. This has been taken lightly by some players. The idea is that a certain fitness There is a need to re-introduce the standards to avoid complacency.”
Earlier, BCCI had fixed the cut-off score of 16.5 for the Yo-Yo test. Every player was considered available for selection in the team only after passing this test. It was canceled keeping in mind the ODI World Cup to be held in 2023.
Since the beginning of the Yo-Yo Test, opinions have been divided on it in the Indian cricket world. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar had suggested abandoning such fitness standards considering them as mandatory criteria for selection.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir had also expressed doubts over the need for the yo-yo test to determine fitness levels. Gambhir had said during an interview in June 2024, “Fitness should be a factor, but I also do not agree that we have to pass a fitness test to be called fit. I do not agree with that.”
Gautam Gambhir had said, “Fitness should be directly related to the trainer. If the trainer feels that you are fit enough, then some people are physically strong from the point of view that they can lift a lot of weight in the gym. “
He further said, “But if you don’t select someone just on the basis of yo-yo test, then I don’t think it is the right way. You select players on the basis of their talent, their batting skills and bowling skills. And it’s the trainer’s job to keep working on their fitness and keep improving them physically. Just because someone doesn’t pass the yo-yo test, I think it’s a bit unfair. Is.”
