India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who had been out of action since the T20 World Cup 2021 in international cricket, has passed his fitness test which was held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), PTI reported on March 16, 2022.
The BCCI are checking on all their centrally contracted players — injured or otherwise — before the IPL and Pandya’s performance, during his two days at the NCA, can also be seen as a good sign for Indian cricket, where he bowled and also cleared the yo-yo test by a comfortable margin.
“Let’s make it clear. Fitness test clearance is only for those who are coming back from injury. In case of Hardik, it was about getting a general fitness assessment going into the grueling IPL season. He is an asset and one needed to check his current fitness standards,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
The report further stated that the officials at the NCA didn’t even ask him to bowl during the fitness tests, but Pandya insisted on it to show them his progress and that he is on track for his comeback into the Indian team.
“He didn’t need to bowl at NCA but he has bowled for a considerable time and in the range of 135 kmph. On the second day, he crossed the Yo-Yo test with flying colors with a 17-plus score which is much above the cut-off level,” the source said.
However, things weren’t so rosy for another player for whom fitness has been a huge issue, Mumbai and India opener Prithvi Shaw. Shaw, who doesn’t have a central contract, was also at the NCA to provide an update on his fitness status and the result wasn’t exactly satisfactory.
As per the report, Shaw scored less than 15 on the yo-yo test while the qualification score is 16.5 for men’s players.
“These are just fitness updates. Obviously, it doesn’t stop Prithvi from playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL. It’s just a fitness parameter and not the be all and end all. Look, he has played three Ranji matches back-to-back. Once you play three first-class games on the bounce, the fatigue can also affect your Yo-Yo score,” the source told PTI.
“We share a great bond as friends”: Mayank Agarwal on his equation with KL Rahul
Shaw’s fitness has been one of the reasons why he isn’t in contention for the Indian team at the moment. While Priyank Panchal has been picked as a backup opener with KL Rahul being out with an injury, even in the white-ball format, the selectors have gone with Mayank Agarwal as reserve opener, despite his underwhelming performance.
“If Prithvi is not being repeatedly considered, then perhaps his fitness standards aren’t up to the mark, as in what is expected of a Team India player,” the source said.
(PTI inputs)
