Jharkhand cricket to introduce yo-yo test as fitness parameter

The yo-yo test recently made headlines as an inform Ambati Rayudu and Sanju Samson failed to clear it. Since it is deemed as a compulsory parameter to represent India, both the players were excluded from the India and India A squad for the England tour. Seems like the state associations have also started to take fitness seriously and bring in measures to improve their levels.

MS Dhoni’s home state Jharkhand is all set to introduce the yo-yo test rule before the commencement of the domestic season 2018-19. That’s not surprising considering Dhoni and Virat Kohli were influential in bringing the rule into effect at the national level. Now the Jharkhand State Cricket Association(JSCA) after a poor season is determined to make a better comeback.

Taking fitness matter very seriously

The yo-yo test is all set to make its debut in the domestic scenario. The JSCA is planning to hold the same in September preceding the domestic season. After their early exit in the previous season of the Ranji Trophy, they are making sure that it goes right this time. The first aspect they are focusing on is fitness.

“The tests will be held in September, but we have already informed all the boys about it and we are taking the test. We are taking fitness matters very seriously and the coaches and the support staff are working hard to ensure that we are prepared perfectly before the season. It is mandatory for all the players and this will be of great help to them.” JSCA secretary Debasish Chakraborty was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

The benchmark for the yo-yo test is being set at 16.1 for both the U19 as well as the Ranji cricketers. The Indian team also has the same qualifying mark. As for the U16 players, the level has been set at 16.5. This clearly depicts that Jharkhand cricket is placing special emphasis on fitness.

Ahead of the fitness test, they have roped in V.P. Sudarshan, the former strength and conditioning coach of the Indian team. They have also brought in Rajiv Kumar who was the fielding coach of Chennai Super Kings. It will be interesting to see if some big names from Jharkhand also fail to make a cut to the team based on the results of this test.

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