Yo-Yo test not the only hurdle for Yuvraj Singh comeback, says Anshuman Gaekwad

The process of team selection has undergone big changes in the recent past. The board and selectors now focus much more on players’ fitness so that they can contribute with an upgraded fielding performance even during their patchy form.

This change in mindset has been a hindrance for the selections of Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina of late, who have done poorly in the Yo-Yo Test and other such fitness programmes. However, former Indian coach Anshuman Gaekwad is of the opinion this test is not the only challenge in their road to comeback as new talents are giving them a huge competition as well.

Speaking to International Business Times, he focused on the bench strength and quality of Indian side. He told, "At present, the Indian team is a settled unit. Even a player like Ajinkya Rahane has not been picked for the T20 contest, explaining the strength of the Indian team. Even if Yuvraj Singh passes the fitness test, he will have to wait for his time. Yuvraj will have to score quality runs in the domestic cricket to get the India team call-up."

The inclusion of 38-year-old Ashish Nehra in the 15-man squad for the T20 series against Australia would be a perfect example that the right fitness and performance would be entertained regardless of the age of a player.

Gaekwad stated that if Nehra can maintain his fitness at this age and clear the fitness tests then it is not a big deal for the 35-year-old batsman. "Fitness has become one of the most important things in world cricket. There is no reason why Yuvraj cannot pass the yo-yo test. The likes of Ashish Nehra, who is older than Yuvraj, has passed it, then why not Yuvi?," added the 65-year-old said.