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What went behind Suresh Raina’s unbelievable transformation for clearing Yo-Yo test

Raina got an A+ on his fitness mark sheet and we are just waiting for the BCCI to name him in the forthcoming ODI and T20I series against South Africa

Suresh Raina finally heaved a sigh of relief on December 21 after he crossed the biggest hurdle of his cricketing career in the recent time – the Yo-Yo test.

The moment he shared this good news on the social media, his fans were back to life. He thanked “all the trainers, coaches & officials” who helped him in reaching the peak of fitness. It was indeed a great day for the Indian all-rounder who has been waiting to don the blue Indian jersey yet again. However, the road to this achievement was not easy at all.

In and out of the team

The 31-year-old cricketer last represented India in an ODI match against South Africa in 2015. In 2016, he featured in the T20I World Cup in India where the Men in Blue were outclassed by West Indies in the semi-final. Then after a long gap of 11 months, Raina found himself in the squad against England for a 3-match ODI series in January 2017. Unfortunately, the viral fever took its toll on Raina and he couldn’t mark his presence. After recovery, he was able to play the last T20I against the same opposition in February. It was also the last international match he played this year.

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Beginning of tough times

After February 2017, Raina probably faced the toughest phase of his career. Followed by his sickness, he had to keep himself away from the game of cricket because of his daughter Gracia’s health issues. His fitness suffered and he put on weight. Even the BCCI dropped him from the list of central contracted players which was not a good sign at all.

Ahead of the 1oth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), in an interview with The Indian Express, speaking about his increased weight, he said:

I was out for viral and illness, and couldn’t train much. It all had an effect but I am fully recovered now and started training. I am fit and ready to play IPL. Tabiyat kharaab tha, bhai, couldn’t train properly and logon ney shuru kar diya!

Later, despite playing well in IPL, where he scored 442 runs including three 50s, he didn’t find himself in the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy. Though he was one of the 5 players in the backup squad, he missed the main event.

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Then came the month of August when it was learnt from the media reports that he (along with Yuvraj Singh) couldn’t clear the Yo-Yo test. For the cricket enthusiasts, it was hard to digest that one of the best Indian fielders couldn’t manage to pass the fitness test and was dropped once again.

Never give up attitude kept him alive

All this while, Raina didn’t lose hope of making a comeback in the team. He put himself through a lathe machine of immense hard work and had publicly announced that he is “not a Thanda type of guy and will return”. His social media posts spoke volumes that a sportsperson can only succeed if he doesn’t stop fighting.

Here are some of those posts:

moving pieces#working out #running diaries@LeelaPalace#delhi

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

There is no bigger contentment then a healthy body and a healthy mind! #stayhealthy #stayfit #fitnessmission #staypositive #happyme

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

Can’t stop, won’t stop! Gonna push it to the limits! #fitme #happyme #fun #lovingit @behrooz.9

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

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I can and I will! Each day is a step closer to my goal! #fitme #healthme #happyme #determined #focused

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

I don’t sweat, I sparkle! #happyme #fitme #workoutfun #outdoorfitness

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

Getting stronger day by day! @behrooz.9 #gymtime #happyme #fitness

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

Outdoor training beautiful weather loved it totally#happyme #fitme #thankful #fitnessworld

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

Keep working hard everyday squats for stronger legs and glutes!! @behrooz.9 #fitness #happyme #keepgoing

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

Stamina and strength training with mix of balance and core training today! Lots more to come keep working hard!! @behrooz.9 #happyme #fitness #keepworkinghard #greatful

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

Only your commitment can keep you going! #keepworkinghard #fitness #happyme #fitme @behrooz.9

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

Heavy session today. Totally worth it! #keepworkinghard #fitme #happyme @behrooz.9

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

Workout by the water! #outdoorfitness #myfavorite #applewatch

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

Stay positive, work hard and make it happen! #allaboutfitness #mydetemination #mygoal #stayfit #stayhealthy #stayhappy

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

Dedication vs Motivation? It’s the motivation which brings in great dedication! Love, encouragement & self motivation keeps you focused on your goal. As they say “The only journey is the one within”! #StayPositive #ThingsDoFallInPlace #Happyme #Healthyme #NCA #Bangalore

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

A start without a workout isn’t a start any longer! #goodmorning #haveafitday #healthyme #happyme #fitme #addicted

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

It always seems impossible until it is done! #IAmTheChange

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

You earn your body! Need I say more? #Fitness #Workout #Routine #PushYourLimit#delighted

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

What seems IMPOSSIBLE today will one day become your warm up! #Workout #Fitness #delighted #lucknow

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

#Fitness is only a part of the journey to the ultimate destination. All set for a big game tomorrow! #SweatItOut

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on


Here’s the last phase of his preparations at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) before clearing the Yo Yo Test.

‪Getting fitter day by day. An early morning outdoor session here at the NCA. Day 2‬ ‪#NCA #Day2 #OutdoorTraining #Bangalore #Training #TrainHard #Routine #Cricket #Sports #MorningSession #Fitness #SweatItOut ‬

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

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#Day3 at #NCA – Early morning start with an outdoor session of sprinting and then an indoor workout session. Feels really good. Need some food now to rejuvenate myself #NCA #Day3 #Gym #Bangalore #Training #TrainHard #Routine #Cricket #Sports #MorningSession #Fitness #SweatItOut

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

After all these efforts, Raina proved himself that nothing is impossible. He has passed the test which became the biggest challenge for him and the happiness could be seen on his face:

Cleared my Yo-Yo & fitness test today, after days of hard work at #NCA! ‪Received tremendous support from all the trainers, coaches & officials.‬ ‪Thank you all! ‬ ‪It’s always so encouraging to train here at #NCA, motivates me to push my limits and bring the best out of me.

A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on

The above Instagram posts are enough to prove what all can you achieve if you don’t give up trying. In another interview with The Indian Express, Raina confidently said,

I won’t give up easily.  Mera soch is clear, aaj nahi to kal, kal nahi to parso, parso nahi to narso, I will get the thing I want (My thinking is clear; if not today, then tomorrow, or day after…) And it’s only due to hard work. I am a very workaholic person, I like to work hard. That is my passion. Chance mileage to chhodna nahi hai.

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If Raina can then why can’t you?

Well, this Indian cricketer made sure that this year should end on a happy note. He has got an A+ on his fitness mark sheet and we are just waiting for the BCCI to name him in the Indian squad for the ODI and T20I series against South Africa.