Indian cricketers are now undergoing DNA test that reveals the genetic fitness blueprint of an individual, raising the bar to a level not seen before. According to , BCCI has introduced the test on the recommendation of team trainer Shankar Basu. In doing so, he wants to come up with a more comprehensive fitness plan for the national team.
The DNA or genetic fitness test give an idea abot how 40 plus genes are related to a person’s fitness, health and nutrition. Each cricketer’s data is then combined with the environmental data which is the individual’s body weight and diet to reach an all-round analysis.
Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is already known for his uncompromising training regime.
“The idea was mooted by Shankar Basu and it has proved to be extremely beneficial. For conducting each and every player’s test, the BCCI spends between Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 which is a nominal amount,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
Prior to this, the Indian cricket team members used to undergo Skinfold Test for body fat measure percentage.
“Skinfold test was used primarily for a long time but it was found out that results related to body fat percentage were not accurate enough. Then there was a switch to DEXA test for calculation of body fat percentage.
“The DNA test is being done so that the body’s needs are known to maintain a particular fat percentage,” the official, who is aware about the module, further added.
As of now, the permissible body fat percentage limit for a senior national team player is 23 per cent, which his standard for most of the international cricket teams, including Pakistan and New Zealand.
Scientist holding a DNA autoradiogram gel showing genetic information with samples in tray Source: Cultura RF
The DNA test was first introduced in the NBA (basketball) and the NFL in the United States.
It is learnt that some of the players did not understand why, even after rigorous amount of training, they were not able to bring down their fat percentage to a certain level.
“Some of them have been having copious amount of milk since childhood as it is a common belief that milk gives you strength. Then they found out that despite training, their body is not able to measure up to the demands of modern day game.
“When this test started, some players understood that they are lactose intolerant or some who have fetish for mutton biryani know what their body needs after eating a particular kind of food,” he added.
The DNA test is believed to test the body’s abilities and what kind of diet and exercise are most effective for a particular player.
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