BCCI introduces ‘Bronco Fitness Test’ for Team India cricketers, here’s what it is

In a significant move to enhance player fitness, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced the Bronco Fitness Test for Team India. The new endurance-based assessment is aimed at improving stamina and reducing player breakdowns, particularly among fast bowlers who face heavy workloads in longer formats.

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Karnataka team’s Strength and Conditioning Coach, Kiran, explained the test in detail. “The Bronco Test is a speed endurance test. Players perform repeated shuttle runs over 20, 40, and 60 meters, completing five sets that cover 240 meters each. The challenge is to finish the distance in six minutes,” he said.

Comprehensive measure of endurance

Earlier, Indian cricketers underwent the beep test, time trials, and Yo-Yo tests. However, with the game evolving rapidly across all three formats, the BCCI felt the need for a more comprehensive measure of endurance. According to Kiran, the test is demanding but achievable for players already at peak fitness levels, such as Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, and Manish Pandey.

The rationale behind the introduction lies in recent injury concerns. “On a tour, fast bowlers often bowl 18–20 overs a day. That’s a form of repeated sprinting. The Bronco Test helps assess whether players can sustain such efforts without breaking down,” Kiran explained. The test primarily challenges the lungs and recovery rate, as players repeatedly change direction and accelerate without breaks. While difficult at first, consistent training enables players to adapt.

Experts believe the Bronco Test will not only boost stamina but also enhance overall performance in long-format matches. As cricket becomes faster and more demanding, fitness standards must keep pace. The BCCI hopes this new benchmark will ensure Indian players remain among the fittest in world cricket.