Be careful while using Yo-Yo test for selection: Founder
Yo-Yo test has sparked a heated debate in the recent past as it has become almost a necessity for selection. Several former players have also questioned the importance of the test over the skill of a player. Now, the founder of the test, Dr. Bangsbo has said it can be a criteria for selection but skills and mental capabilities must also be considered.
Yo-Yo test sparked a debate after Shami and Rayudu snub
Mohammed Shami was recently dropped for the Afghanistan Test after he flunked the Yo-Yo test. Ambati Rayudu, who made a comeback to the ODI team after a prolific IPL season, was dropped, for the UK tour after failing the test. Both the players are extremely talented, have represented India, so was it right to drop them just because they failed the endurance test?
Yo-Yo test should be used as a tool
"The test is a tool to measure the individual('s) capacity. What is more important is to use this as a tool to measure and get better. But the question is whether skill and mental capabilities are also important in a particular sport," Dr Bangsbo said.
Who is Dr. Jens Bangsbo?
Danish sports scientist Dr. Jens Bangsbo invented the Yo-Yo test in the 90s. Bangsbo was the former assistant coach of Serie A champions Juventus. Further, he has coached Danish national football team as well. He has authored 25+ books on football and physiology.
Footballers can achieve 20 or 21 on the test
Dr. Jens Bangsbo stressed that the minimum benchmark, which the Indian team has set for its selection (16.1), is neither high nor tough to achieve. He claimed that extremely fit footballers scored 20 or sometimes 21 on the test, hence 16.1 as the benchmark is not high. However, he said players shouldn't be rushed into the test.
Bangsbo claims 16.1 is achievable
"Since the level 16.1 for Team India isn't that high, I can sense that they are expecting a minimum fitness level in their players. If a team wants a certain minimum fitness level as part of its culture, 16.1 isn't tough" Dr. Jens Bangsbo said.
India's minimum pass criteria is much lower than other teams
The Indian team's Yo-Yo cut-off is among the lowest when compared to other cricketing heavyweights. Pakistan have a 17.4, West Indies 19 and New Zealand have the fittest cricketers with their minimum criteria being 20.1.
