Mohammad Azharuddin insists Yo-Yo test should be conducted before selection

Having the Yo-Yo test as a benchmark to gauge a player's fitness was a progressive move by the BCCI but it wasn’t welcomed by the masses for the simple reason that it hardly took a player’s cricketing skills into consideration and focused more on their fitness aspects. Former India captain Azharuddin had a similar take on the latest controversy which had hit the team selection, following Rayudu’s ousting from the team after failing in the test. Azharuddin was one of the finest fielders of the country during his days and stated that it was a regrettable thing. He also insisted that the test should be conducted before selection of the players. 

"For me, match performance should be the priority. Rayudu was picked after he showed his class act in IPL. But after you have picked him, you can't drop him because of the Yo-Yo test. The test should have been conducted before the team selection. It's embarrassing for everybody. It's good to have a benchmark. It is also important to understand that everyone's body is different and so Rayudu was unlucky to have missed the opportunity to play in England," Azharuddin said in an interview with TOI. 

When asked about India's chances in England in the ongoing series, an optimistic Azharuddin replied, “We have a 100 percent chance to win the series. We have a good side and can beat England by a good margin. For that to happen, we also have to bat well. Going by the conditions there in July, August and September, the wickets will be good for batting. I believe the weather will be helpful."

Good opening partnerships would play a crucial role in the series and Azharuddin hoped that opener Shikhar Dhawan would stand tall against the feared moving deliveries. India’s other Test opener, Murali Vijay has also enjoyed a good run in England, as he had scored 402 runs in 10 innings in England at a decent average of 40.2. 

"Even Murali Vijay has done well in England and therefore I am hopeful to see both the Indian openers giving good starts," he explained.

Azhar also predicted that England would have to bat out of their skin to tame India this time. "We can't pinpoint if bowling or batting is our strength. In my opinion, both our batting and bowling departments are good. They are good enough to beat England. In fact, England would need brave efforts to beat India," he said.