Current benchmark of 16.1 in Yo-Yo Test pretty much achievable, suggests Dinesh Karthik

India’s hunt for a proper number four batsman helped Tamil Nadu stalwart, Dinesh Karthik, make yet another comeback into the Indian squad and it can be safely assumed that this would be his last shot for DK in International cricket.

India’s new found obsession towards fitness has also hit the Indian cricket team, thanks to their influential captain, Virat Kohli. However, the two southpaws of India with a wealth of experience in limited-over format, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina were the worst hit after fitness standards became the premier selection criterion.

The two apparently failed to reach the minimum score of 16.1 in the fitness test and therefore, were not selected for the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Karthik, however, had a different take on the matter which created quite a sensation within the cricketing fraternity. DK believes that the score is easily achievable for the modern sportsmen.

VK ideal leader for players in terms of fitness: DK

“The current benchmark is pretty achievable. Anybody who puts in a bit of effort can reach that mark. There is nothing earth-shattering about it. It only starts getting tougher from 17.5 onwards. There has been a lot of hue and cry about it but it is pretty achievable for most sportsmen,” claimed Dinesh Karthik according to his recent interview with PTI.

Karthik, then, stated that Virat Kohli‘s obsession with fitness which has transpired into his performances on the field, has now trickled down to the players who also strive for the next level of fitness looking at their leader.

“With a leader like Virat, who has absolutely got it spot one in terms of fitness, he has built his lifestyle around it. The team members are learning a lot from that and they can see the exceptional performances he has been able to give in the last 5-6 years. It has trickled down to the players,” concluded Karthik.

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