India introduces rugby-inspired Bronco Test as fitness benchmark

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has introduced a rugby-inspired Bronco Test as a new fitness benchmark for the national men’s team, adding it to the existing YoYo and 2-kilometre time-trial assessments. The move follows a five-Test series in England in which concerns were raised about the fast bowlers’ conditioning, with Mohammed Siraj the only pacer to feature in all matches. Several contracted players have already taken the Bronco Test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, as the team aims to raise endurance standards for demanding overseas tours and long-format cricket.

The Bronco Test is a high-intensity running drill that requires five consecutive sets of shuttle runs, beginning with a 20-metre sprint, followed by 40 metres and 60 metres, totaling 1,200 metres without a break. Players are expected to complete the entire sequence in six minutes. The test, which originates from rugby conditioning protocols, was proposed by India’s strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux, who rejoined the team in June. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has voiced support for the initiative as part of a broader effort to sharpen fitness standards across the squad.