The BCCI has implemented the Bronco test as a fitness enhancement tool for the Indian cricket team. This test is currently being conducted at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE). The test requires players to complete a timed race within 6 minutes, targeting primarily fast bowlers. Former team India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his concerns regarding the Bronco test, questioning who would be responsible if players get injured during the assessment. Ashwin fears that the test could potentially lead to injuries among the players.
Ashwin, via his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat,’ commented that testing protocols often evolve with changes in the coaching staff. He believes that this frequent change in training methods complicates things for the cricketers, potentially exposing them to injuries. He cited his experience during the period of 2017 to 2019 under Soham Desai. He suggested that it may not be necessary to alter the existing training methodologies when the team is performing well. Adrian Le Roux succeeded Soham Desai as the Strength and Conditioning Coach and proposed the Bronco test, which was approved by Head Coach Gautam Gambhir.
The Bronco test is designed to enhance the overall fitness of the Indian team. It involves players, especially fast bowlers, completing a running course within a 6-minute time frame. This includes a 20-meter shuttle run, followed by runs of 40 and 60 meters, these runs are grouped to create a set. The athletes are expected to complete five such sets (totaling 1200 meters) without any pause. This test is already utilized in sports like rugby and football.
The need for this test arose because of fitness-related challenges faced by Indian fast bowlers on the England tour. Only Mohammed Siraj played all five Test matches, while Jasprit Bumrah participated in just three. This test is an additional fitness evaluation alongside the Yo-Yo test. There are reports that some players have already taken the Bronco test at the COE in Bengaluru.