India's swashbuckling all-rounder Hardik Pandya has cleared the 'Yo-Yo' fitness Test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and has been cleared to lead Gujarat Titans (GT) in the upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL).
During the fitness test, Pandya consistently bowled in the range of 135kmph, indicating that the all-rounder will bowl for the Gujarat-based franchises. The Baroda all-rounder did not need to bowl but he insisted on showing that he is fit to take his place in the Indian team as the designated all-rounder. The 28-year-old registered a Yo-Yo fitness score of 17-plus which is slightly above the 16.5 cut-off.
"It was not planned for all players. It was for all players who were facing fitness issues. Hardik Pandya has cleared the Yo-Yo Test with a 17-plus score. He looked fine in the test and even bowled. He consistently clocked over 130kmph," the NCA source told Sports Tak.
While Pandya is on track for a comeback, batting prodigy Prithvi Shaw who is a part of Delhi Capitals (DC) squad failed the Yo-Yo fitness test. The Mumbai’s Ranji skipper could not even cross the 15-point mark in the test. Despite Shaw’s low fitness score, it is not being considered a big worry. The main reason behind the 22-year-old’s low score can be the three Ranji matches he played in a short period of time.
Pandya and Shaw were among the 25 Indian white-ball players who were called to the NCA before IPL. The players were also called for the fitness assessment camp as they were on the radar for the T20 World Cup which will be played later this year.
The source also revealed that after the completion of IPL 2022, another round of tests will be conducted to see the fitness of players.
Pandya will make his IPL captaincy debut when Titans take on KL Rahul's Lucknow Super Giants on March 28 at Wankhede stadium. On the other hand, DC will take on five-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians on March 27.
