India coach Ravi Shastri said Indian players need to get used to the Yo-Yo test, reiterating ‘it is here to stay’.

Mohammed Shami, Sanju Samson and Ambati Rayudu all failed the fitness test in the last month while Suresh Raina, who didn’t reach the prescribed mark last year, cleared it this time around ahead of the England tour.

Former India selector and coach Sandeep Patil has previously questioned the BCCI’s policy of cricketers needing to pass the test but Shastri put his weight behind the fitness-related selection policy.

“I think it’s a combination of both ability and fitness. If you are fit, you can enhance that ability. That is one thing that has been emphasised on while designing the Yo-Yo test. And it is here to stay. Whoever thinks it’s a one off thing, he is sadly mistaken and that person can take a walk,” Shastri told media.

“The philosophy is simple. You pass the test, you play. You don’t, you sit. So this is not going to go anywhere. The captain leads from the front, the selectors the management are on the same page. And the boys have responded extremely well.”