The Indian ODI captain Rohit Sharma has cleared the necessary Yo-Yo Test and the Dexa scans at Bengaluru's Centre of Excellence. A PTI report said Rohit Sharma is likely to stay back at the CoE for some practices and drills, as he will be gearing up for the away ODI series against Australia this October.
However, unlike the yo-yo test, which has been a household name in the cricketing fraternity, the Dexa scan is just 2 years old for BCCI.
What is a DEXA Test?
The DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) test is an advanced body composition analysis technique that uses two low-dose X-ray beams to measure bone mineral density (BMD), body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and its distribution across the body. Initially developed for medical purposes such as detecting osteoporosis, DEXA scans are now widely used in elite sports to monitor athletes’ fitness, injury risk, and training effectiveness.
Professional sports such as European football (soccer), rugby, basketball, American football, and athletics have used DEXA technology for years. Clubs like FC Barcelona and Arsenal, and several NFL and NBA teams, routinely rely on DEXA to evaluate muscle-to-fat ratios, prevent injuries, and ensure players maintain optimal conditioning. It is considered far more accurate than traditional skinfold calipers or BMI measurements.
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When Did BCCI Start Using It?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially introduced DEXA scans as part of its fitness and selection roadmap in January 2023 during a key review meeting attended by senior management and selectors. The BCCI issued a statement saying:
“The Yo-Yo Test and DEXA will now be part of the selection criteria and implemented in the customized roadmaps of the central pool of players.”
This mandate was driven by repeated injuries to key players and the need for better workload management ahead of major tournaments like the ODI World Cup. For cricketers, especially fast bowlers, DEXA scans help detect muscle imbalances, bone health issues, and stress fracture risks. Coaches use this data to design personalized strength and conditioning programs, ensuring players remain fit for both domestic and international cricket.
For bone health, a T-score of –1.0 or higher indicates normal bone density, which is considered healthy. For body composition, elite male athletes typically have 6–13% body fat, while elite female athletes fall between 16–23%, according to DEXA assessments. These ranges are widely accepted as indicators of peak athletic fitness.
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What Are the Other Tests BCCI Implements on Players?
BCCI conducts multiple fitness tests to assess and maintain players’ performance levels. The Yo-Yo Test is a key benchmark for measuring aerobic endurance and recovery. Recently, the newly appointed strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux brought in Bronco Test inspired from Rugby to evaluate stamina and speed through continuous shuttle runs.
Players also undergo a 2-kilometre time trial to check sustained endurance, with different benchmarks for bowlers and batsmen. The DEXA scan is used to measure body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone density, aiding in injury prevention and fitness optimization.
Additionally, DNA-based genetic testing helps design personalized training plans. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) also implements periodic functional and injury-prevention tests, including sprint drills, strength assessments, and mobility checks to ensure peak physical condition.
