Unveiled: The Rugby-esque Bronco Test: The Impending Adoption in Cricket by India's Team
Indian Cricket Team Introduces the Bronco Test as a Fitness Benchmark
The Indian cricket team is introducing a new fitness test, the Bronco Test, to help its fast bowlers improve their aerobic fitness levels and maintain their peak performance. The test, originally designed for rugby players, has been suggested by Indian strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux.
The Bronco Test requires players to run a total of 1200 meters in six sets, with each set consisting of 240 meters. The challenge lies in completing the test under six minutes, a benchmark that has been set for the fast bowlers. For batters, wicketkeepers, and spinners, the benchmark in the current 2-km time trial is eight minutes and 30 seconds.
Fast bowlers in cricket are compared to decathletes due to their need for varied energy systems. Their skills involve running, sprinting, braking, and jumping with external and internal forces acting on the body from varied angles. The Bronco Test provides data and information that can be harnessed according to the skill of fast bowlers.
The introduction of the Bronco Test comes at a time when the Indian fast bowlers have been struggling with fitness. During the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, several players, including Anshul Kamboj and Jasprit Bumrah, reportedly bowled below their usual speed-gun readings and struggled with their pace in the latter half of the series.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has given the introduction of the Bronco Test a thumbs up. Several of India's top players have already taken the test, and Ramji Srinivasan, who was India's strength and conditioning coach during the 2011 World Cup, feels the Bronco test could help the injury-stricken Indian fast bowlers.
The Indian Express reported on the struggles of India's fast bowlers with fitness during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The new fitness test is part of the team's efforts to address these issues and ensure that its fast bowlers are at their best during crucial matches.
In addition to the Bronco Test, the Indian cricket team also uses the Yo-Yo Test, which involves shuttling over a 20-metre distance at increasing speeds, as a measure of fitness. The benchmark for the Yo-Yo Test is set at 17.1.
As the Indian cricket team gears up for upcoming tournaments, the introduction of the Bronco Test is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining the fitness and performance of its fast bowlers.
