Know why BCCI will make the Yo-Yo test a must for players to clear the minimum score before getting selected for the national squad, what is it in cricket, its rules, levels and distnace
After their recent troubles over player injury, BCCI have decided to reintroduce Yo-Yo test and make it mandatory for player selection in addition to some other criteria. Additionally, BCCI has increased the benchmark score of this test to make this test more challenging than before.
Explained what is the Yo-Yo Test for cricket players, its meaning, levels, distance and rules as BCCI mandates it
History of Yo-Yo test and best Indian performers of all-time
Following the high-profile BCCI review meeting in Mumbai, the Yo-Yo fitness test was once again included in the eligibility requirements for selection to the Indian cricket team from January 1, 2023. Additionally, it has been decided that benchmark score in Yo-Yo test will be increased to 16.5 from earlier level of 16.1 to challenge the players towards reaching better level of fitness.
Virat Kohli, the captain of India, scored 19 in the Yo-Yo test, but he has three formidable rivals in domestic cricket who have scored higher. Manish Pandey, Karun Nair, and Mayank Dagar of India broke Virat Kohli’s Yo-Yo test record, according to a PTI report. Compared to Pandey’s 19.2, Himachal Pradesh cricketer Mayank Dagar’s test score was 19.3.
What is Yo-Yo test and Why is BCCI is making it mandatory?
The Yo-Yo test is a version of the Beep test, which requires jogging between two sets of cones that are, coincidentally, 20 meters apart—the length of a cricket pitch. A player must go to the cone on the opposite side at the next beep once the beep has been made. The player must then go back to the first cone before the third beep occurs. According to rules, completion of a shuttle occurs once the return trip is complete.
Each shuttle has a seven second recuperation time in between and the benchmark for the shuttle’s completion time reduces as each shuttle’s level increases. Although not mathematically, the number of shuttles per level increases as well. Traditionally, Yo-Yo test begins with one shuttler with Level 5 and increases to two shuttles at Level 11 before reaching the highest Level 23, which is incredibly difficult.
For any player, the Yo-Yo test will end after missing two beeps and this being automated test, all performance is documented. To playing for Indian national squad, the benchmark performance in this test has been increased to 16.5 from the previous score of 16.1 to ensure players strive for staying even fitter.
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