Legendary India opener Virender Sehwag feels that the current obsession of Indian players with fitness is an example of the changing times but it should not be considered over skill improvement. Meanwhile, a few days back, he criticised the gym culture among the current cricketers and he again took a dig at BCCI for reintroducing the Yo-Yo test as one of the main criteria for selection in the team as well.

“There was a trend in the Indian team that if you fail Yo-Yo test, you won’t get a chance,” Sehwag said while speaking during News18 India Chaupal. “If this was the case during our time, then a lot of legendary players wouldn’t have been part of the team because they would have failed the Yo-Yo test.”

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He further added, “During that time, focus was on skills. Who will win you matches: One who performs well or the one who runs better? If you want good runners, then have them run marathons, no need to play cricket. That’s what I believe.”

Virender Sehwag also said that not everyone has to go through the grind of weight training and instead, they could focus on improving their skillset as well.

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‘Time has changed. During our time, the focus was on practicing and improving skills be it fielding, bowling or batting. Gym may help me in improving my career span and it’s important but it’s different for everyone. If body permits weightlifting, then do it. But if you have concerns, be it back issue, knee problem, then there should be a limit. Skill is more important,” Virender Sehwag said. “The Yo-Yo Test and Dexa will now be part of selection criteria and implemented in the customized roadmaps of the central pool of players,” a statement from the BCCI read.