The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced the Bronco test to enhance the fitness of the Indian cricket team. This test is being conducted at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE). In this test, players must complete a predetermined race within 6 minutes. It is primarily designed for fast bowlers. Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned this test, raising concerns about who would be responsible if a player gets injured during the test. He stated that players could get injured while attempting to complete this test.
Ashwin mentioned on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’ that the testing methods change whenever the team’s trainer changes. He believes that constantly changing training methods is very difficult for the players and could lead to injuries. He recalled experiencing this from 2017 to 2019 during Soham Desai’s tenure. He added that there is no need to change when everything is going well in the team. Soham Desai’s position was taken by Adrian Le Roux as the Strength and Conditioning Coach, who suggested the Bronco test, which Head Coach Gautam Gambhir also agreed to.
The Bronco test requires players, particularly fast bowlers, to complete a set race within 6 minutes. A cricketer starts with a 20-meter shuttle run, followed by 40-meter and 60-meter runs, combined to create one set. A cricketer is expected to run five such sets (a total of 1200 meters) without stopping. This test is already used in rugby and football.
The need for the test arose after India’s fast bowlers struggled with their fitness during the England tour. Only Mohammed Siraj played all five Test matches, while Jasprit Bumrah participated in only three. This test is in addition to the existing Yo-Yo test. According to reports, some players have already taken the Bronco test at the COE in Bengaluru.
