After team Mumbai released their squad for the third round of Ranji Trophy matches, many are discussing the absence of talented opener Prithvi Shaw on the list. As per reports, he was ousted from the team due to poor discipline and fitness. Apparently, he has 35 per cent body fat, while the recommended level for batters and wicketkeepers is below 15 per cent; for all-rounders, it's 18 per cent.
The Indian team uses Dexa scan tests to measure body fat percentage, water content, bone density and lean muscle mass. Dr Appu Benny Thomas, Orthopaedician at Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi, explains why 35 per cent body fat is problematic even for normal people.
'Indication of an unhealthy lifestyle'
A body fat of 35 per cent indicates that a person is overweight and is not following a healthy diet or lifestyle, says Dr Appu. "This level of body fat is unhealthy even for non-athletes. Generally, male athletes are supposed to have around 10 per cent body fat and female athletes, around 15 per cent." What would be an ideal body fat percentage for healthy non-athletes in their twenties or thirties? "In the range of 18 to 25 should be normal for men, and 25 to 30 for women," the doctor says.
A high body fat percentage in athletes could affect their performance in various ways, says Dr Appu. "There is a high chance that they can quickly get injured and also they might take a longer time to recover," he says.
Shaw's fitness issues
Even in the past, Prithvi Shaw has had fitness issues. In 2022, he failed the Yo-Yo fitness test conducted by the National Cricket Academy, which tests an athlete's endurance. While the minimum score required was 16.5, his score was less than 15. He had also made headlines for breaking lockdown rules during the pandemic years when he tried to travel to Goa without the mandatory e-pass.