This is why Yuvraj and Raina were axed from ODI side
Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina was cut from the Indian ODI side who set to play five One Day International series and one-off Twenty20 against host Sri Lanka. The Indian team, currently considered as one of the fittest international teams around the globe, goes through a series of fitness drills, out of which the 'Yo-Yo' endurance test is considered one of the major parameters to judge a player's fitness.
Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina was cut from the Indian ODI side who set to play five One Day International series and one-off Twenty20 against host Sri Lanka. There was a lot of confusion as in why a player of such calibre was dropped but now it clear that the duo was axed due to their failure to complete the Yo-Yo endurance test at the National Cricket Academy.
The Indian team, currently considered as one of the fittest international teams around the globe, goes through a series of fitness drills, out of which the 'Yo-Yo' endurance test is considered one of the major parameters to judge a player's fitness.
It is understood that the acceptable Yo-Yo score is 19.5 and upwards but Raina and Yuvraj scored well below the required level of 19.5, Yuvi barely managed to touch 16 marks while skipper Virat Kohli, one of the fittest Indian cricket, scores around 21 in the test.
The 'Yo-Yo' endurance test is an advanced version of the 'beep' test that was used by teams of earlier generations. The current Indian team is considered to be the fittest by a fair distance.
"The current team think tank, coach Ravi Shastri, skipper Virat Kohli and chairman of selectors MSK Prasad have made it clear that fitness standards are non-negotiable.
How the Yo-Yo Test works
Cones are placed to mark out two lines 20 meters apart. A player starts with his foot behind one of the lines and begins running when instructed. The player continues running between the two lines, turning when signalled by the recorded beeps.
After each minute or so, the pace gets quicker. If the line is not reached in time, the player must run to the line turn and try to catch up with the pace within two more 'beeps'. The test is stopped if the player fails to catch up with the pace within the two ends.
The entire process is software-based where the results are recorded.
It must be noted that the same test for football and hockey team will produce entirely different results and have higher benchmarks, considering the speed and endurance level involved with the sport.