As the Asia Cup draws near, the Indian cricket team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the upcoming continental event, set to commence on August 31. The team has kicked off a closed-door training camp in Alur, where the players are undergoing rigorous fitness assessments and medical tests to ensure they are in prime condition for the tournament.
A key focus of these assessments is the mandatory Yo-Yo test, a renowned aerobic endurance fitness evaluation. The young opener Shubman Gill has raised eyebrows with an exceptional score of 18.7, leading the pack in this crucial fitness metric. The Yo-Yo test measures an athlete’s ability to repeatedly perform high-intensity aerobic exercises, reflecting their overall cardiovascular endurance. It is noteworthy that all cricketers who have participated in the test have comfortably surpassed the cut-off score of 16.5.
Virat Kohli, former captain of the Indian team, showcased his dedication to fitness by achieving a commendable score of 17.2, as shared on his Instagram story. The team’s commitment to maintaining optimal fitness levels has been evident throughout the camp, except for a handful of players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (a reserve member for the Asia Cup), and KL Rahul, who are yet to undertake the crucial Yo-Yo test.
A source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed, “The Yo-Yo test being an aerobic endurance fitness test, the results could vary based on factors such as recent playing activity and workload. Gill’s leading score of 18.7 sets a high bar, with most players scoring between 16.5 and 18.”
In a surprising twist, it has been reported by the Indian Express that Virat Kohli’s public disclosure of his Yo-Yo test score on Instagram has stirred up controversy within the BCCI. As a response, the Indian team management swiftly issued directives prohibiting cricketers from publicly revealing their fitness test scores. This directive was verbally communicated to all players currently participating in the intensive fitness and preparatory camp at Alur in Bengaluru.
The Asia Cup holds paramount significance for India’s preparations leading up to the World Cup. The tournament will commence with an intense clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2, potentially marking the beginning of multiple encounters between the two teams throughout the event. Following the Asia Cup, India’s focus will shift to a series of three ODIs against Australia, providing valuable practice before the highly anticipated global tournament. The World Cup campaign for India will commence against the same opponent on October 8.
With the spotlight on India’s fitness tests and Yo-Yo scores, the team’s determination to achieve peak physical condition stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence in the world of cricket. As fans eagerly anticipate the start of the Asia Cup, the Indian team’s preparations are shaping up to be a compelling storyline in the world of sports.
