“Rohit Sharma is as fit as Virat Kohli”- BCCI strength and conditioning coach

Ankit Kaliyar, BCCI strength and conditioning coach, also spoke about yo-yo test's importance.

India captain Rohit Sharma has consistently been slammed for his fitness on social media by fans. While India's captain is one of the top hitters and a brilliant fielder, his hefty build has led many to believe that he is not the fittest of cricketers.

Even former India captain Kapil Dev recently questioned Rohit Sharma's fitness, saying it is disgusting for the great batter to be out of shape despite leading the team.

However, Ankit Kaliyar, a strength and conditioning coach with the BCCI, has stated that the Indian captain is not unfit. The coach even claimed that Rohit Sharma was as fit as Virat Kohli and only looks bulky.

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“Rohit Sharma is a fit player. He has good fitness. He looks a bit bulky but he always passes the Yo-Yo test. He is as fit as Virat Kohli. He looks like he is bulky but we have seen him on the field. His agility and mobility are amazing. He is among the fittest cricketers,” Kaliyar told the Times of India.

Kaliyar also added that a player cannot be labeled unfit just because he fails the yo-yo test without explaining why. Several players have suffered the wrath of the fans in recent years after failing to pass the obligatory fitness test.

“No. Not at all. If a player hasn’t passed the Yo-Yo test, this doesn’t tag him as an unfit player. A player plays cricket throughout the year. Sometimes, he gets injured, has niggle, his back is stiff, has muscles not working properly, spasms or any health issues, etc. I have to analyze the exact issue and then prepare a program and module for him. Then it is my job to take things and help the player recover fast and pass the test again,” said Kaliyar