BCCI’s New 200% Fitness Policy After CoE Criticism: The Indian squad for the three-match T20 series against Afghanistan has been announced. However, the selection process this time has not been straightforward. Several star players included in the squad face a specific condition: they must prove their 100% fitness before the matches begin.
Key Players Must Prove Fitness Before IND vs AFG T20 Match
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not entirely convinced about the fitness of key players selected for the squad, such as Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, and Harshit Rana. These players will only secure a spot in the playing XI for the T20 series if they pass the fitness test.
BCCI Introduces New Selection Policy After CoE Criticism
In recent months, the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) has faced severe criticism regarding the management of injured players.
Players like Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, and Washington Sundar returned to international action after recovering from injuries, only to suffer fresh injuries upon taking the field.
Learning from these setbacks, and according to a Cricbuzz report, the board has now adopted a stricter stance regarding selection:
- 200% Fitness Criteria: The board will not include any player in the squad unless it is 200 percent convinced of their fitness.
- Focus on Transparency: VVS Laxman, Head of the CoE, has clarified that complete transparency will be maintained regarding player selection and health reports.
What Does the Star (*) Symbol Mean in Team Selection?
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explained the significance of the star (*) symbol placed next to certain players’ names in the squad list.
“Since the squad is selected 3-4 weeks prior to an international series, players who are unfit on the day of selection are chosen conditionally rather than being outright rejected. This 21-to-28-day window gives them the opportunity to attain full fitness.” — Devajit Saikia, Secretary (BCCI)
Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Reddy Expected to Return for 1st T20
There is good news for Indian fans: the recovery of Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy is progressing well. Both players are on track to be fully fit and ready to take the field for the first T20 match, scheduled to be played in Delhi on September 13.
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