Sanju Samson is among six players who have failed to clear the BCCI’s new 2-km run fitness test.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India had introduced the 2-km run fitness test this week at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Samson, along with Ishan Kishan, Rahul Tewatia, Jaydev Unadkat, Nitish Rana and Siddarth Kaul, did not clear the test, but is likely to get another shot at it.
The BCCI will reportedly give the six players another chance as it is only their first attempt at the new fitness test. However, if they fail it a second time, their selection for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against England will be under threat.
“Since this is a new type of a fitness test, they will all get a second chance to clear it at a fresh date, after some gap. However, if they fail to clear it, then it puts their selection for the forthcoming white-ball series comprising five T20Is and three ODIs against England at home in doubt,” a source was quoted as saying by Times of India.
Senior Indian cricketers, presently playing in the Test series against England, have been exempted from the test due to their current schedule.
As per the report by ToI, India men’s team captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri are keen to make the 2-km run fitness test mandatory for all players similar to the Yo-Yo test.
“A few fitness tests were conducted for around 20-odd cricketers who are in reckoning for the limited-overs series against England at home, and for the T20 World Cup in India later this year. Among these tests was the now famous yo-yo test and the new ‘2km run’ fitness test,” the source was quoted as saying by ToI.
“In this test, a batsman, wicket-keeper or a spinner has to complete the 2-km distance in eight minutes and 30 seconds, while for a fast bowler, the benchmark is eight minutes and 15 seconds. Six of the players failed to clear these tests. Some players barely managed to complete the run.”
Previously, when the Yo-Yo test was introduced, many cricketers had failed it, prompting players to focus on their fitness and clear the test to be considered for inclusion in the national squad.
