The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new fitness parameter, the DEXA test, to the cricketers’ selection process in the senior men’s team. 

BCCI held a meeting on January 1, 2023, to review the senior men’s team’s performances. In a meeting attended by BCCI president Roger Binny, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and senior men’s head coach Rahul Dravid among others, player availability, workload management and fitness parameters were discussed.

While the Yo-Yo test makes a comeback in the selection process, the DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) was announced as an additional criteria.

What is DEXA test?

DEXA or Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is a test which determines a person’s bone density using a special technique called spectral imaging. This test measures bone strength and can also provide information about a potential fracture in the bone.

The test also helps determine body composition while helping monitor response to treatment for injuries and recording body fat and muscle mass. 

The DEXA test produces two types of beams - high and low energy. Both beams pass through the bone as multiple emitted X-rays help measure bone density.

The bone strength and mineral density take a massive hit once the players are injured. With Dexa, the BCCI can better understand the player’s condition and develop more accurate plans for recovery.

According to Ramji Srinivasan, the former strength and conditioning coach of the Indian team that won the World Cup in 2011, DEXA helps understand where the fat is and whether the training methods yield the result. With it, the acquired data will be uniform and can be used in the future.

With a customized plan in place for each player, via the DEXA test, each player will have their routine, diet and training programmes depending on the results.

Why has DEXA been introduced in Indian cricket?

An array of injuries in 2022 disrupted Team India’s campaign in the Asia Cup, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and other major series. The introduction of the DEXA test aims to stop the flurry of injuries to the players.

Workload management has also been an issue for the BCCI. Considering the advanced technology in the new DEXA test, it will provide the selection committee with handy information regarding the players’ fitness.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has expressed his views during the recently concluded Bangladesh series on injury concerns, saying it is paramount to monitor and get to the bottom of recurrent problems.

 

Photo credits: Alamy