Team India gear up for fitness tests and look to MS Dhoni for inspiration

BCCI authorities are leaving no stone unturned ahead of a crucial season this year which will see both, the Indian national team and India A take on tough opponents over the course of the next 6-7 months. With the 2019 ICC World Cup in the back of the minds of the national selectors, it will be important for all potential candidates to pass with flying colours in the upcoming fitness tests.

In the next week, more than 40-odd Indian cricketers will arrive in Bangalore to undergo fitness tests at various levels before they can depart on their respective assignments for the upcoming season. In addition to the mandatory yo-yo tests, the BCCI has also planned DEXA scans for dual-energy absorptiometry for the selected group of players.

“Between the 5th and the 10th, fitness tests alone will be the priority,” BCCI sources revealed.

On May 8, BCCI had announced five different squads for India and India ‘A’ keeping the one-off Test against Afghanistan, T20s against Ireland and England, against England in mind. While India ‘A’ one-dayers against England Lions and West Indies ‘A’ and India ‘A’ four-day matches were also considered by BCCI officials.

Amidst all this, former Indian physical trainer Ramji Srinivasan heaped praise on Chennai Super Kings skipper and former Indian captain MS Dhoni, as he described the latter to be an example to all the other players out there as far as fitness was concerned.

“Look at the shape he’s in, considering he’s not playing round the year. Extremely impressive. He’s the one from who the rest should be seeking inspiration,” said Ramji.

Srinivasan added that the 36-year-old Dhoni continued to remain the yardstick for the younger cricketers to look up to after his exploits in the recently concluded IPL season which seen CSK lift the prestigious trophy for the third time.