BCCI introduces a new DNA fitness test

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced DNA fitness test for Indian cricketers which reveals the fitness blueprint of an individual. The step has been taken to be in sync with the Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s uncompromising training regime. The test helps the sportsmen improve their speed, endurance, fat burning, recovery time and muscle building. The Indian board seems to be following the footsteps of the captain and raise the bar of the fitness for the cricketers.

The DNA test gives an overview of how 40 plus genes are related to a person’s fitness, health and nutrition. Then an all-round analysis is done of every cricketer based on the DNA combined with the environmental data which is the body weight and diet of an individual.

Shankar Basu recommended DNA test

It is being learnt that the BCCI introduced DNA test on the recommendation of the team trainer Shankar Basu. “Yes, we have started the DNA test for the Indian cricket team for some time now. It is basically in line with the new fitness parameters, which has been set by the team management. The DNA test was first introduced in the NBA (basketball) and the NFL in the United States. The idea was mooted by Shankar Basu and it has proved to be extremely beneficial. For conducting each and every player’s test, the BCCI spends between Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 which is a nominal amount,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on Sunday.

Previously, the team used to undergo Skinfold Test for body fat measure percentage and then switched to DEXA test. “Skinfold test was used primarily for a long time but it was found out that results related to body fat percentage were not accurate enough. Then there was a switch to DEXA test for calculation of body fat percentage. The DNA test is being done so that the body’s needs are known to maintain a particular fat percentage,” he further added.

An official also explained the reason of how few cricketers were not able to bring down the fat percentage in their body despite the rigorous amount of training. “Some of them have been having copious amount of milk since childhood as it is a common belief that milk gives you strength. Then they found out that despite training, their body is not able to measure up to the demands of modern day game. When this test started, some players understood that they are lactose intolerant or some who have fetish for mutton biryani know what their body needs after eating a particular kind of food.”