
(AFP Photo)
Amidst ongoing discussions about the significance of fitness in modern cricket, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has stirred controversy by expressing his skepticism towards the widely popular Yo-Yo Test. Gambhir, a two-time World Cup winner, openly voiced his lack of enthusiasm for the test, questioning its necessity in evaluating a player’s aerobic endurance and overall fitness levels for team selection.
Gambhir argued that talent should be prioritized over physical fitness when considering players for selection. While acknowledging the importance of fitness in cricket, he emphasized that it should not be the sole determinant of a player’s suitability for the team. Instead, Gambhir suggested that the responsibility for assessing players’ fitness should lie with the team’s trainer.
Gambhir criticizes Yo-Yo Test amidst India coach rumors.
Gautam Gambhir said: “Fitness should be a factor, but I also do not agree that we have to pass a fitness test to be called fit. I don’t agree to that. Fitness should directly be related to the trainer. If a trainer feels that you’re fit enough, some people are physically strong from a point of view that they can lift a lot of weights in the gym.”
The former cricketer-turned-coach also opined that different players excel in different aspects of physical performance. Gambhir further explained, “Some people’s endurance is not good. Some people’s endurance is good, but they are weak in the gym, weak in lifting weights, weak in strength. So, I think it should be the trainer who should decide who’s fit and who’s not fit. Not the Yo-Yo Test. Nothing should be a benchmark.
I don’t agree to that, honestly. For me, I think I might be able to achieve yo-yo and I might not be able to pick up weights in the gym. So, it doesn’t mean that I’m physically strong. I’m only, from the endurance point of view, I’m strong. The most important role of a trainer is to make the weak improve.”
Gautam Gambhir advocates for a selection process that prioritizes talent over other factors.
Gambhir raised issues with the yo-yo test’s role in national selection, arguing that it disproportionately disadvantages players who excel in actual gameplay. He proposed a reassessment of selection criteria, advocating for a shift towards prioritizing skills and talent over stringent fitness benchmarks in player selection.
Gambhir signed off by saying, “But if you don’t select someone just because of a yo-yo test, I don’t think that’s the right way. You select players on their talent, on their battling skills, on their bowling skills. And it is the trainer’s job to keep working on their fitness and keep making them better physically as well. Just because someone doesn’t pass a yo-yo test and doesn’t get selected, I think that is a bit unfair.”
Gambhir notably steered the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to victory in the IPL 2024, marking their first win in a decade. Serving as the mentor, he led the KKR team to triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2024 final held at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai in May.
Following Rahul Dravid’s tenure, Gambhir has emerged as a prominent candidate for the position of India’s head coach. However, the former Indian opener has remained tight-lipped about his intentions regarding this prestigious role, refraining from disclosing any details about his interest.