Leaked List Reveals Five Indian Cricketers Skip Yo-Yo Test Ahead of Asia Cup 2023
The Indian cricket team, set to compete in the upcoming Asia Cup, began their six-day preparatory camp last Thursday at the KSCA’s Three Ovals campus in Alur. Among the several fitness tests, the mandatory yo-yo test took center stage. While Shubman Gill stunned everyone by breaking Virat Kohli’s record with a score of 18.7, a leaked list showed that five key players did not take the test. Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, and KL Rahul all sat out for various reasons.
Questions Surrounding Rahul’s Fitness
KL Rahul remains a subject of concern for team management. He has been attending gym sessions but hasn’t yet regained full fitness. Consequently, the management decided not to risk the keeper-batter by making him undergo the yo-yo test. This cautious approach signals Rahul’s importance for the Asia Cup and beyond.
No Test Required for Four Others
Bumrah, Krishna, Varma, and Samson had a different reason for their absence. They had just returned from a triumphant series against Ireland. As a result, they were exempted from the test and began their practice sessions immediately. They dove straight into team preparations on Friday, highlighting their readiness for the tournament.
Gearing up for the Asia Cup
India’s intense training regimen came into focus when Star Sports released an insightful video. This video gives a sneak peek into India’s strategies and preparation for the back-to-back ODI tournaments, including the Asia Cup and the World Cup. It appears that the team is adopting a more dynamic approach to ODI cricket, focusing their strategies around 10-over segments.
The Rohit-Gill Strategy
Based on details revealed by the video, captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill started with a centre-wicket practice session. They faced bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, adopting the 10-over strategy the team plans to use. After that intense session, they moved to the practice nets, where they further honed their skills.
Simulated Scenarios for Training
According to the video, players are put through various match situations to test their adaptability. This technique was recently employed by KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer at the NCA to prove their fitness in terms of batting and fielding. Such training ensures that the squad is well-prepared for different challenges, especially with the Asia Cup serving as a precursor to the World Cup.
Countdown to the Big Clash
The Indian team is building momentum, with their Asia Cup campaign set to begin against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 in Pallekele. This match will serve as an early indicator of the team’s preparation and form.
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Wrapping it Up
The absence of these five players from the yo-yo test, for now, raises some questions but also reflects the team’s cautious approach towards key players. As India steels itself for the Asia Cup, the cricketing world watches with bated breath. The preparations, the strategies, and the initial performance in the camp—all suggest that India is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a strong showing in the upcoming continental event.
