Indian cricket will no longer depend only on the Yo-Yo Test for fitness checks. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and strength coach Adrian le Roux have now added the Bronco Test to the list. The test will run alongside the Yo-Yo and the 2km time trial as official benchmarks.
The goal is to increase players’ endurance and get them ready for the physical demands of long tours. This move is now a fundamental component of the fitness regimen because Gambhir has fully supported it.
What is the Bronco Test?
The Bronco Test is popular in rugby. It is a high-intensity running drill that pushes a player’s stamina. Players run five continuous sets of shuttle sprints over 20, 40 and 60 metres. The total comes to 1,200 metres, and they must finish it in six minutes.
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Some top Indian players have already tried the drill at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The test will now be a regular part of team selection and match preparation.
Why the New Test Was Introduced?
Reports say Le Roux suggested the test after noticing low fitness levels during India’s recent tour of England. In the five-Test series, only Mohammed Siraj played all five matches. The rest of the fast bowlers struggled to maintain intensity across the series.
Le Roux, who rejoined the Indian setup in June, has long believed that bowlers must run more and rely less on gym-based training. He has also worked with Cricket South Africa and IPL teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.
Focus on Fast Bowlers’ Endurance
The management feels fast bowlers need extra focus on conditioning. With longer formats demanding sustained energy, the Bronco Test will track if pacers are match-ready. Le Roux is understood to have advised that fast bowlers should increase running workloads instead of spending more time lifting weights.
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This approach matches Gambhir’s push to make the squad tougher and fitter. By adding the Bronco Test, the team management hopes to reduce injuries and improve consistency.
New Fitness Culture
The Yo-Yo Test has been the key fitness standard in Indian cricket for years. Many players, including Virat Kohli, once made headlines for their scores. Later, the BCCI also introduced the 2km time trial.
Now that the Bronco Test has begun, India’s players must contend with a new obstacle. The new practice simulates match-like conditions in addition to testing stamina. For those vying for berths in the Test and ODI teams, when extended on-field time necessitates both stamina and strength, it will be vital.
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The move signals a cultural shift. Fitness will not only decide how players train but also play a role in team selection. With Gambhir and le Roux at the helm, the Indian cricket team is making it clear — performance starts with fitness.
