Bronco Test joins Yo-Yo as Team India raises players’ fitness bar

Table of Contents

Team India has rolled out a game-changing fitness assessment that signals a bold departure from traditional conditioning methods. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made the Bronco Test — a rugby-origin endurance challenge — a mandatory benchmark alongside the established Yo-Yo Test and 2-kilometer time trial for national selection. The decision comes on the heels of India’s exhausting five-Test series against England, where persistent fitness concerns exposed the need for a more robust evaluation system. Notably, Mohammed Siraj was the only fast bowler to feature in all five matches without injury setbacks.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir and strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux, who rejoined the Indian setup in June 2025, identified a crucial gap: Indian cricketers were over-investing in gym-based routines while under-prioritizing cardiovascular endurance. For Le Roux, whose résumé includes past work with Team India (2002–03) and IPL franchises Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings, the answer lay in balance — shifting focus toward fitness that translates directly onto the cricket field.

The Bronco Test is designed to push players’ aerobic limits. It involves completing five continuous shuttle runs of 20, 40, and 60 meters — totalling 1,200 meters — within six minutes. Unlike isolated gym workouts, it mimics cricket’s demands: repeat high-intensity efforts, minimal recovery, and sustained performance across long spells.

The England tour highlighted why this change was necessary. Bowlers like Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna struggled with fitness concerns, while Jasprit Bumrah had to be carefully managed, limiting him to just three Tests. In contrast, Siraj bowled a staggering 185.3 overs — averaging 37 per match — exemplifying the endurance standard India now wants across its squad.

Also READ: BCCI’s eyes on an IPL winning captain for India’s ODI leadership role

With the Bronco Test joining the Yo-Yo and 2K run, India have crafted a layered, science-driven approach to fitness. Each test addresses a distinct dimension:

This role-specific calibration acknowledges the different physical demands of cricketing disciplines while maintaining elite standards across the board. Several centrally contracted players have already taken the Bronco Test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, providing baseline data for long-term monitoring.

Beyond individual selection, the move reflects cricket’s evolving physical landscape. Extended IPL seasons, back-to-back international tours, and gruelling multi-format series demand athletes who can endure, recover, and sustain peak performance. With this holistic framework, Indian cricket is positioning itself as a leader in applying sports science to performance longevity.

Also READ: Indian government plans ban on money-based online games citing numerous concerns