The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a new fitness drill called the Bronco Test to improve the endurance level of players in the national team. The test, originally applied in rugby, has now been implemented in cricket to help players keep up with the demands of the contemporary game.
India Bids Adieu to Yo-Yo, Welcome Bronco
For years, the Yo-Yo Test was the gold standard for Indian cricket fitness. It targeted intermittent endurance with in-built periods of rest. But the BCCI feels that with growing match intensity and year-round schedules, there is a need for more continuous cardiovascular endurance in players.
While the Yo-Yo test has in-built recovery breaks, the Bronco test is a tougher test for stamina and aerobic fitness.
How the Bronco Test Functions
The structure of the Bronco test is straightforward but punishing. Cones are set up at 0m, 20m, 40m, and 60m from a line. A player has to:
- Run 20m and back.
- Run 40m and back.
- Run 60m and back.
This pattern equates to 240 meters per set. Five sets consecutively, equaling 1,200 meters, have to be run by players with their time being taken for assessment.
This test focuses on endurance, stamina, and agility without giving the body recovery periods, thus simulating the uninterrupted demands of cricket.
What Does It Measure?
The Bronco test assesses:
- Cardiovascular endurance – sustaining effort over a long time.
- Agility and speed – with rapid changes in direction during shuttle runs.
- Mental toughness – ability to handle fatigue under pressure.
For cricketers, this translates into running between the wickets efficiently, sprinting in the field, and repeatedly chasing balls to the boundary without performance drop.
Why the Change Matters for Indian Cricket
The BCCI’s adoption of the Bronco test signals a higher bar for physical fitness. With cricket increasingly being played in intense schedules across formats, endurance has become just as crucial as skill.
By requiring consistent effort, the Bronco test makes sure that only players who are capable of withstanding pressure, bouncing back quickly, and staying sharp over long games will pass the threshold.
With India gearing up for future tours and tournaments, the Bronco test may become a hallmark instrument in moulding a fitter, faster, and mentally stronger national team.
