List of 6 Indian players who failed to clear the new fitness test
Fitness is an important parameter set by the cricket boards in the present era. Those were days when fitness wasn’t even considered a priority because the cricketers were selected according to their batting or bowling standards. However, as the years passed, the cricket boards decided to make ‘fitness’ standard as a mandatory rule for players who are vying for a place in the national cricket team.
The cricket fraternity has witnessed several players getting injured too easily. It’s because they are unfit. So, one has to pass the test in a bid to feature in the national team. Nonetheless, the players who passed the tests are certain to give performances in the longer run. Moreover, they can also get rid of the injuries on the field.
Meanwhile, the fitness tests held by the BCCI have been the subject of discussion these days. Previously, a certain number of players were reported to have strained to pass the yo-yo test. However, this time, the Board of Control for Cricket in India introduced a new 2-km run fitness test. This test is conducted by the board in order to ascertain the endurance levels.
Sanju Samson among the 6 names
In a shocking development, as many as 6 Indian players failed to pass the new test as per the reports. Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Siddarth Kaul and Jaydev Unadkat failed to clear the test. The richest cricket body had introduced the test last week at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore.
Meanwhile, the players, who failed to pass the test, will be getting one more chance to make amends. If they fail to clear the test, then they may not participate in the upcoming ODIs and T20Is against England. It is said that around 20-odd cricketers participated in the BCCI’s new fitness test
“Since this is a new type of a fitness test, they will all get a second chance to clear it at a fresh date, after some gap. However, if they fail to clear it, then it puts their selection for the forthcoming white-ball series comprising five T20Is and three ODIs against England at home in doubt,” a source told to TOI.
2021 is going to be the busiest year for Indian cricketers and the board is aware of the fact that there is a lot of work for India this year. Taking this factor into account, BCCI is thoroughly focussed on the fitness of the cricketers. “A few fitness tests were conducted for around 20-odd cricketers who are in the reckoning for the limited-overs series against England at home, and for the T20 World Cup in India later this year. Among these tests was the now-famous yo-yo test and the new ‘2km run’ fitness test.
“In this test, a batsman, wicketkeeper, or a spinner has to complete the two-kilometre distance in eight minutes and 30 seconds, while for a fast bowler, the benchmark is eight minutes and 15 seconds. Six of the players failed to clear these tests. Some players barely managed to complete the run,” the source added in a statement.
