What is the Bronco Test, BCCI's New Fitness Benchmark?

What is a Bronco Test?

The Bronco Test is a high-intensity running drill that measures a player's endurance, speed, and cardiovascular fitness. It consists of shuttle runs of 20, 40 and 60 metres. Players run all three distances in one set and must complete five consecutive sets without rest—a total of 1,200 metres. The goal is to complete the test in under six minutes.

According to the media report, several Indian players have already undergone the test at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where it is currently being tested as a standard measure of fitness.

Adrian Le Roux, who joined the Indian team in June 2025 as strength and conditioning coach, recommended the introduction of the testing. Le Roux previously held the role from January 2002 to May 2003, and has also worked with Cricket South Africa and IPL franchises such as Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.

As reported in the reports, Le Roux proposed the Bronco test in response to growing concerns that Indian players - particularly fast bowlers - were spending too much time running and not enough time on sprint-based endurance training.

The report cited a source stating, "The Bronco test has commenced at the Centre of Excellence. Some of India's contracted players have come to Bengaluru to undergo this extensive fitness assessment. The test aims to establish clear fitness standards. It has also been noted that Indian cricketers, particularly fast bowlers, are not running enough and are spending too much time in the gym. Players have been instructed that they need to increase their running.”

How is it different from the Yo-Yo test?

The Yo-Yo test has been a key component of India's fitness regime since 2017, introduced by former strength coach Shankar Basu under the Virat Kohli leadership. It involves running between two cones placed at a distance of 20 metres, and the speed increases at each level. Players get a rest of 10 seconds after every 40-metre run. For this, it is necessary to score 17.1 points.

While the Yo-Yo test focuses on interval recovery and agility, the Bronco test is designed to assess sustained aerobic endurance. Both tests together provide a better assessment of a player's overall fitness.

Will a 2-km time trial be used with the Bronco test?

Yes, 2-km time trials have also been used as previously. The BCCI firmly mandates the use of a 2-kilometre time trial, with strict closing standards for various roles. Fast bowlers must complete the trial in 8 minutes and 15 seconds, while batsmen and spinners are required to finish it in 8 minutes and 30 seconds.

India's Asia Cup 2025 squad has been announced, and now the BCCI wants to focus completely on the fitness standards of the players. By adding this new Bronco Test, efforts are being made to further raise the physical standards of the players.

By combining the Bronco Test, Yo-Yo Test and 2 km Trial, the BCCI wants to prepare a better fitness framework through which the fitness standard of the players can be raised. Looking at the standards of today's modern games, it has also become necessary that the fitness standard of the players remains high, and they should be able to perform well in every situation.