The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is introducing the Bronco Test, a new fitness assessment method, to elevate the fitness standards of the Indian cricket team. The drill, recommended by strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux and approved by head coach Gautam Gambhir, will complement existing fitness evaluations like the Yo-Yo test and the two-kilometer time trial. This decision comes after concerns about the fitness levels of Indian cricketers, particularly during the recent five-Test series in England, where some players struggled with the demands of long-format cricket. The Bronco Test, borrowed from rugby training, assesses stamina and cardiovascular endurance by requiring players to complete shuttle runs of 20, 40, and 60 meters in sequence, five times consecutively, without rest, totaling 1,200 meters. The target for Indian players is to finish the test in under six minutes. Preliminary trials have already been conducted at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, emphasizing the need for cricketers, especially fast bowlers, to increase their running and reduce gym time. The inclusion of the Bronco Test is expected to contribute to the team’s overall fitness, crucial for maintaining high performance levels in the demanding modern game.
