IND vs AUS 2017: How is Nehra’s fitness similar to that of Virat Kohli?

Nehra
Ashish Nehra is in the Indian T-20 squad against Australia. Image Source: twitter

Internet Desk: The cricket fanatics across India have raised question on why the selectors have picked veteran-pacer Ashish Nehra for the forthcoming 3-match T-20 series against Australia. Though legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag thinks that Nehra has trained very well to keep himself fit and he deserves a place in the Indian team.

Sehwag also said that Nehra spends a lot of time in the gym, not only that his ‘yo-yo test’ score was almost the same to India skipper Virat Kohli.

“The secret behind Nehra’s fitness is when he is not playing international cricket, he spends almost 8 hours in the gym (two sessions of 4 hours each). And if today he is a part of the T20 team, it is because he has passed the ‘yo-yo’ test. He scored almost 17-18 in the yo-yo test, touching Virat Kohli’s score,” Sehwag told India TV.

“Nehra is a fast bowler and never faces any issues while running. So, he doesn’t endure much problems in clearing the “yo-yo” test. It is not that he is doing it forcefully. He likes to run, swim and I think he would have easily covered the distance of 20 meters in the yo-yo test. He has also an advantage of his height. He is over six feet tall and has a long stride,” Sehwag added.

Cricketers like Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina failed to overcome the ‘yo yo test’, ahead of the Sri Lanka series. Sehwag also has some advice for them too.

“We have seen in reports that many players, including Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, have not cleared the yo-yo test. And probably this is the reason why they are not part of the team. I think Yuvraj and Raina should focus on clearing the yo-yo test because if they pass the test, they will be a part of the team,” Sehwag said.

Sehwag also compared Nehra to the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya and said that if these maestros can play past 40 then why can’t Nehra.

“I don’t think age should be the criteria to play in the world cup. If Nehra is fit, picking up wickets and giving away less runs, then why not? Sanath Jayasuriya played till 42, Sachin Tendulkar played till the age of 40 then why not Ashish Nehra?”