Sunil Gavaskar: You can’t select the National team based on fitness tests

[sage]

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/asia-cup-sharjah-uae-history-india-bronco-test-review-duleep-trophy-format/article70024890.ece

 

 

There has to be consideration given to the player’s speciality and allowances made for that.

Recently, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar also joined the bandwagon and shared his views against bronco test, stating that selecting players on the basis of such tests is quite unfair.

"While it is fine to have these tests to get a general idea of where a player needs to strengthen their body, having them decide selection to the national team is a tad too much," Gavaskar wrote in his Sportstar column.

"Every person's body is different, so having one standard for everybody in the squad is well-nigh impossible. There has to be consideration given to the player's speciality and allowances made for that. For example, a wicketkeeper, who is constantly on the move the whole day, requires a different fitness level than the others," he added.

 

Gavaskar further wrote that no test is bigger than the mental strength of a player, who is dedicated to play his country.

"The most important test for playing at the highest level for your country cannot be measured, as it's between the two ears. And the clincher for me is when the heart is opened, it should have only two words, 'Indian cricket', and nothing else,"

 

Earlier on August 31, India skipper Rohit Sharma turned up for the newly-introduced bronco test and impressed everyone with his performance. The report also stated that the test also included a Yo-Yo Test and the 38-year-old gave a remarkable performance.

 

[BacktoCricaddict]

Watching Sunny Bhai the player in 1987 - I asked "Why did he retire?"

Watching Sunny Bhai the commentator in 2025 - I ask "When will he retire?"

[pkmmamks]

Of course. You would have never made the team then

[Manucrick]

Just don't take him seriously he is now a grandpa most of the grandpa's talks like this 

[Ultimate_Game]

Yes, you can. I expect the whole squad to pass the fitness test. If someone can't they need to be replaced. The whole point is that it's a fitness "test" and those who pass get into the team. Otherwise, where do you draw the line? There shouldn't be any exemptions or compromises regarding fitness.

 

If lard bucket Rohit can't pass fitness test, he should stay home or get fit. We have likes of Jaiswal sitting on the sidelines and these idiots want to bring in a semi-retired uncle with a full blown paunch in the team! 

Edited September 11, 2025 by Ultimate_Game

[Lord]

but but Lolit passed it with flying colours no?

[jf1gp_1]

Just because JEE requires 75% in PCM doesn't mean you directly get admitted to one of the IITs 

[diga]

Budda satiya gaya hain... I meant "maniac not sunil gavaskar 

[Gollum]

Commentators/experts for life. SENA broadcasters don't tolerate such mediocrity.