BCCI made the decision at a high-profile review meeting in Mumbai. The meeting, which had been on hold since India’s exit in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in November, finally took place in the presence of the president of the BCCI Roger BinnyHonorary Secretary Jay Shah, Captain Rohit Sharma, Coach Rahul Dravid, NCA VVS Chief Laxman and Coach Chetan Sharma.
“The Yo-Yo and Dexa test will now be part of the selection criteria and will be implemented in the central player pool’s personalized roadmaps,” BCCI said in a statement.
The Yo-Yo test is an aerobic endurance fitness test that involves running between markers 20 meters apart at increasing speeds. The test was introduced during Virat Kohli’s tenure as India captain and the pass mark was initially 16.1 before being raised to 16.5.
Issues of player availability, workload management and fitness metrics were also discussed at the meeting, along with the roadmap for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, to be held in India. in October and November.
It has also been decided that emerging players will have to play a “substantial domestic season” to be eligible for national selection.
“Emerging players will need to play a substantial domestic season to be eligible for selection to the national team,” the statement read.
The board also said the National Cricket Academy will work with Indian Premier League (IPL) teams to monitor targeted Indian players taking part in the Twenty20 league this year.
“Keeping in mind the male FTP and the preparations for the ICC CWC 2023, the NCA will work in tandem with the IPL franchise to monitor the targeted Indian players participating in the IPL 2023,” the statement added.
The physical condition of Indian cricketers has been a concern, with players like Deepak Chahar regularly breaking down. First peacekeeper Jaspirt Bumrah has also been out for a long time with a back injury.
(With agency contributions)
