India’s top centrally contracted cricketers reported at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Saturday for their pre-season fitness tests.
The players arrived less than 48 hours after completing a demanding two-Test away series against Sri Lanka.
Despite spending 3-consecutive days on the field, several Test regulars showed their commitment by turning up for the mandatory fitness assessments.
Jadeja, Pant, Jaiswal among players rested
Senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal were among those seen going through the fitness drills.
T20I captain Shreyas Iyer also reported for the tests, along with T20 specialists Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson. Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was also among the players present at the Centre of Excellence.
The players are preparing for a demanding 8-month period that will eventually culminate with the 2027 Indian Premier League.
What fitness tests will players undergo?
The mandatory fitness programme includes the Bronco Test, a 2km run, the YoYo test and cricket-specific drills. Running between the wickets is also part of the assessment.
The Bronco Test involves cones placed at 0m, 20m, 40m and 60m. Players have to run between these markers without a break, completing five sets. They are expected to cover a total distance of 1,200m within five-and-a-half minutes.
YoYo Test and 2km run targets
The YoYo test benchmark has long been set at 16.5 for Indian cricketers. Meanwhile, players are required to complete the 2,000m run within 10 minutes.
These tests are used to assess the players’ endurance, speed and overall match fitness ahead of the new season.
Bumrah, Hardik and Nitish yet to take tests
Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy will undergo the fitness drills only after being declared fully fit. The trio is currently going through rehabilitation programmes.
Fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have been given an exemption for now after bowling extensively in consecutive Tests during the Sri Lanka tour.
Prince Yadav declared fit
There was also a positive update on Prince Yadav. The youngster, who suffered a hamstring niggle during India’s tour of the UK, has now recovered and is available for selection.
Busy home season awaits Team India
The BCCI’s home season, known as ‘India Cricket’, traditionally begins in September. This year, India’s campaign will start with an ‘away series at home’ against Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series in New Delhi.
The first-choice T20I squad will then travel to Japan for the Asian Games. At the same time, another group of white-ball specialists is expected to take on the West Indies in a home series.
India A to face Australia A
India A will also be in action during the busy period. The team is scheduled to play Australia A in Puducherry from the last week of September to the second week of October.
With several major assignments lined up, the fitness tests in Bengaluru mark the beginning of a long and demanding season for India’s top cricketers.