5 points from Ravi Shastri’s book of cricket coaching

#4 No compromise on fitness

Shastri does not compromise on fitness

When MS Dhoni was the captain of the Indian team, he came with this theory of “controlling the controllable” and Shastri has absolutely embraced it. The Yo-Yo test is now compulsory for the players. You have to have a certain degree of strength in your body to make sure you are controlling the controllable, else you are not making it to the team. It’s as simple as that and there is zero tolerance for it.

What are the controllable in cricket? Converting runs while running between the wickets, covering distances quickly while fielding in the outfield, diving efficiently both forward and sideways, and maintaining balance while catching close to the fence in the deep.

Do any of these depend on the opposition’s quality? No. They all depend on one's fitness. If you have what it takes in terms of fitness, you are controlling them all and at all times.