Punjab players to go through Yo-Yo Test for state selection

Yuvraj Singh had failed the Yo-Yo test.

Harbhajan Singh an Yuvraj Singh | Getty Images

Punjab players would have now to face Yo-Yo Test to playing for their state in the Indian domestic circuit, as the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) decided to make it mandatory for their players to pass the Test to get selected in the state team. Now, with the latest effect,  Punjab Players have to work hard on their fitness to pass the Yo-Yo Test if they want to keep playing for Punjab.

The PCA took the decision after the recommendation of Punjab skipper Harbhajan Singh, Trainer Sagar Diwan and coach Ajay Ratra following their poor show in the last domestic season.

As the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2018 –India’s premier Twenty20 tournament is on cards, the PCA conducted Yo-Yo Test on the players of their probable list for the T20 tournament at the I S Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali on Thursday. Although, the PCA will give some relaxation for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this time only, but they will stick with the future.

Speaking to Times of India, Harbhajan Singh said, “We can't have players who can just bat and bowl. They have to be fit enough to play. At times, during this Ranji season, the intensity was very low. So, I thought enough is enough. Drop in energy levels leads to drop in performance and that leads to poor results. You just can't have up and down results in alternate matches.”

The veteran off-spinner further added on the same, “It is clear that Punjab cricket is growing at the U-19 level, but it is not getting converted at the Ranji Trophy level. We found out that fitness was a major issue. When we suggested this (implementing the Yo-Yo test) to the Punjab Cricket Association, they were very excited about it and urged us to enact it immediately.”

Punjab has been set the parameter of 16.1- the same that national team. Meanwhile, Punjab Coach said, "The Yo-Yo test should be a basic benchmark of fitness for players to be selected in the state team. If someone is getting 12.2, our trainer is there who will help the concerned player get up to the standard mark. We will give players two or two and a half month window to raise their level.”

Recently, Yuvraj Singh had failed the Yo-Yo test and due to which he was dropped from the Indian team after which the veteran all-rounder has been working out hard at the NCA to get pass the Test.

Harbhajan concluded by saying, “Howsoever big a player is, no matter how skillful you are, we want everyone on the same page if they want to represent Punjab.”

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 06 Jan, 2018

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