Fitness is crucial in cricket, given the sport's physical demands. Cricketers must maintain high fitness levels to stay fresh and healthy throughout matches. The focus on fitness in cricket has increased significantly, with even domestic players committed to rigorous training routines, including weightlifting and cardio. Cricketers are monitored and evaluated year-round through various tests and routines, assessing parameters like agility, mobility, strength, endurance, reaction time, and speed. One prominent fitness test is the Yo-Yo test, which plays a key role in determining player selection based on their scores.

The Yo-Yo Test in Cricket

The Yo-Yo test, a variation of the Beep test, is an aerobic fitness assessment where players run between two cones set 20 meters apart. After a beep, the player runs to the opposite cone, returns to the start before the next beep, and completes a shuttle. There is a ten-second recovery period between shuttles, which decreases as the intensity increases. Players initially have 14.4 seconds to complete a shuttle, but by stage 21, they have only eight seconds to cover 40 meters, running at 18 KPH.

Players start at level 5 and progress to level 23, with each level comprising more shuttles. For instance, level 9 has one shuttle, level 11 has two, level 12 has three, level 13 has four, and level 14 has eight, each covering 40 meters.

Additional Fitness Criteria by the Indian Cricket Team

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a 2-kilometer time trial alongside the Yo-Yo test to evaluate speed and endurance. Fast bowlers must complete the distance in 8 minutes and 15 seconds, while other players have 8 minutes and 30 seconds.

Yo-Yo Test Scores in Different Countries

India’s minimum Yo-Yo test score for selection is 17.1, the lowest among test-playing nations. New Zealand has the highest requirement at 20.1, followed by England and the West Indies at 19, and Sri Lanka and Pakistan at 17.4. Australia discontinued the test around 2014-15, previously requiring a score of 19.

Understanding Yo-Yo Test Scores

The Yo-Yo test measures speed levels and the number of shuttles completed. A score of 17.1 means the player must finish the first shuttle of speed level 17.

Notable Players Who Failed the Yo-Yo Test

Cricketers such as Mohammad Shami, Sanju Samson, Ambati Rayudu, Varun Chakravarty, Suresh Raina, Prithvi Shaw, Washington Sundar, and Pakistan’s Umar Akmal have all failed the Yo-Yo test at various times, impacting their selection.

Top 5 Active Cricketers with the Highest Yo-Yo Scores

Surprisingly, fitness icon Virat Kohli ranks eighth with a score of 19. The top five are:

1. Shaan Masood - 22.1
   
2. Jonny Bairstow - 21.8
   
3. Mayank Dagar - 19.3
   
4. Beth Langston - 19.2
   
5. Mohammad Rizwan - 19.2
   

Conclusion

The Yo-Yo test challenges both physical and mental endurance, playing a vital role in maintaining high fitness levels for cricket. While skills ultimately decide match outcomes, fitness tests like the Yo-Yo test help players stay sharp and recover quickly, essential for high-performance sports. According to a BCCI executive, the test’s impact is evident in the improved fitness levels of Indian players, enhancing their ability to make crucial plays in the field.

FAQ

What is the Yo-Yo test in cricket? The Yo-Yo test assesses a player’s aerobic endurance and stamina by running back and forth between two markers 20 meters apart with progressively shorter time intervals.

Why is the Yo-Yo test important in cricket? The Yo-Yo test is crucial for evaluating a player’s fitness level and ability to sustain high-intensity activity throughout a match, helping determine readiness for competitive cricket and monitor fitness progress.

How does the Yo-Yo test benefit cricket players? It improves cardiovascular endurance, agility, and recovery capacity, meeting the physical demands of running between wickets, fielding, and maintaining performance during long matches or tournaments.

Is the Yo-Yo test the sole criterion for selection in cricket? No, the Yo-Yo test is one of several criteria for selection. Other factors such as skill, technique, and overall performance are also considered. The Yo-Yo test provides an additional measure of a player’s physical capabilities and readiness.