Former Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar has raised a significant point regarding the transparency of fitness test results conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Gavaskar’s appeal comes in the wake of the remarkable Yo-Yo test performance by young batting sensation Shubman Gill, which reportedly exceeded that of ex-India captain Virat Kohli.
Gill, known for his promising talent and agile fielding skills, recently underwent the Yo-Yo fitness test, a standardized assessment of a player’s endurance and fitness levels, which has become a crucial benchmark for team selection.
Kohli, in an Instagram story, disclosed his Yo-Yo test result of 17.2, which drew disapproval from BCCI officials, who considered it a ‘breach of contract.’ Consequently, the authorities instructed players not to divulge confidential information to the public.
However, a few days later, PTI reported that Gill had attained a superior score to Kohli, specifically registering an impressive 18.7. Gill’s remarkable score exceeded the mandatory 16.5 threshold, potentially signalling a shift in the perception of India’s fittest cricketer away from Kohli.
“The age difference between the two mustn’t be forgotten” Sunil Gavaskar
Reacting to the same, in his column for the Mid-Day, Gavaskar emphasized the need for greater transparency in making these fitness test results public, particularly when a young talent like Gill achieves an exceptional score.
“There was a lot of excitement when Kohli put out his Yo-Yo score which was more than the limit that the BCCI trainers had set. Shubman Gill posting an even better Yo-Yo score than Virat was by no means one-upmanship. The age difference between the two mustn’t be forgotten and the elder has to be admired for his fitness standard. The BCCI then directed that nobody should post their Yo-Yo test scores which might have actually saved some blushes for some,” wrote Gavaskar.
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He added: “If it is true that unless the minimum standard of the YoYo test is not met, then the player is not eligible for selection then it’s all the more important for this test to be done in the public domain so that the public that follows the game in their millions know that there are no players who have not met the minimum standard in the team.”
Gavaskar’s comments have ignited a debate within the cricketing fraternity, with many echoing his sentiment about the need for transparency in the dissemination of fitness test results. The Yo-Yo test has become a critical parameter for assessing players’ fitness levels, and knowing the results can provide insights into their commitment and readiness for international cricket.
The BCCI has not yet issued an official statement regarding the matter. However, it remains to be seen whether Gavaskar’s appeal for transparency in fitness test results will lead to changes in the way such information is shared with the cricketing community and fans.
