The Yo-Yo Test: Fitness has become the buzzword and a basic part of performance. Among tests conducted by cricket teams to measure the fitness level of their players, the Yo-Yo test happens to be one of the most widely used tests.
It is, in fact, one of the very popular aerobic endurance and recovery tests that have gained popularity over a short span of years mainly due to the utilization of international teams.
What Is The Yo-Yo Test?
The Yo-Yo test is indeed referred to as the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test. In this, the model of the exercise is a "shuttle run back and forth between two markers with increasing speeds". This test continues until a player cannot "keep up with the speed required to keep him going", thus making the fitness level in respect of cardiovascular endurance measurement precise.
Importance In Cricket
As the game of cricket evolved, the demands on cricketers were quite grueling. For a cricketer to endure long matches, recover in between games, and be an optimum player, modern cricketing requires a fit player. The Yo-Yo test has turned into a yardstick in ascertaining whether one fits the benchmark of fitness for his team, especially in formats like T20. Agility and stamina play an important role here.
The current benchmark that the Indian cricketers have to reach is 16.5. The star cricketer, Virat Kohli is famously known to set up a high benchmark regarding fitness within the Indian cricket team and has a 17.2 on the yo-yo test, which is higher than the required minimum of 16.5.
In July 2018, uncapped player Mayank Dagar, who was part of the Kings XI Punjab side of the IPL and nephew to former India cricketer Virender Sehwag, registered 19.3 preceding Manish Pandey's top score of 19.2 notched in 2017.
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Future Of Fitness In Cricket
Fitness in Cricket in the future does not seem to be going anywhere with emphasis on fitness unless and until it is adequately changed shortly. Hence, the Yo-Yo test is not only a benchmark of fitness but also a reminder that players have to make proper physical preparation if they want to compete at the top.
Teams now accept technology and special training programs to improve the fitness level of their players, so the players who do not meet the standards may find it hard to get into the teams. And there goes the Yo-Yo test in cricket, brought into the headlines as a blueprint of fitness changes taking place concerning the game's dynamic evolution.
Furthermore, it will not be easy for cricketers who cannot comply with the fitness demands, to send a clear message regarding career choices.
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