Former South African legend AB De Villiers mentions the drawbacks of the test on a player’s body, suggesting that the Indian management rethink their decision.AB De Villiers weighed in on the new bronco test introduced for India men’s team. He warned against using it in cold weather and high altitudes. Indian management, now headed by Gautam Gambhir, is aiming to bring in a new fitness regime within the team, and hence they have asked the Indian players to undergo the Bronco Tests; however,
Ever since Gautam Gambhir took over the Indian management as the head coach, he has introduced many new dimensions to Indian cricket, one of the latest being the mandatory compliance issued over the fitness tests of players. Fitness is a major requirement for players considering the modern-day demands on the field; however, Gautam Gambhir’s fitness regime, which is under discussion, seems too harsh on the players, as deemed by former RCB veteran AB De Villiers.
What Is The Bronco Test
The Bronco Test in cricket has been introduced by the BCCI under head coach Gautam Gambhir and fitness coach Adrian le Roux to set new fitness benchmarks for Indian players. Originally a rugby fitness drill, the Bronco Test measures aerobic capacity, stamina, and cardiovascular endurance through shuttle runs of 20m, 40m, and 60m, repeated continuously over 1,200 meters.
Unlike the Yo-Yo Test, which focuses on recovery and agility, the Bronco emphasizes sustained endurance, making it crucial for fast bowlers. Combined with the 2KM time trial, this new fitness model ensures Indian cricketers meet the demands of modern international cricket. Unlike heavy gym sessions, the Bronco Test prioritizes running-based endurance—ensuring fast bowlers and batters build stamina relevant to real match demands.
The Bronco Test originated in rugby fitness programs, designed to simulate high-intensity running patterns. BCCI has now adopted it for cricket, focusing on aerobic endurance and cardiovascular strength.The test involves 20m, 40m, and 60m shuttle runs in five continuous sets, totaling 1.2 kilometres. Players must complete it in around six minutes to qualify.
The Yo-Yo Test measures interval recovery and agility, while the Bronco Test measures continuous stamina. This dual approach ensures Indian cricketers excel in both short bursts and long spells.Head coach Gautam Gambhir and returning fitness coach Adrian le Roux spearheaded the introduction, signalling a renewed focus on endurance-based fitness in Indian cricket.The test has been implemented at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where contracted players are being put through the benchmark drills to set new fitness standards.
Reports suggest the Bronco Test targets fast bowlers specifically, as concerns grew about bowlers spending too much time lifting weights instead of building running endurance. Alongside Bronco and Yo-Yo, the 2KM run remains key. Benchmarks: Fast bowlers: 8m15s Batters, spinners, wicketkeepers: 8m 30s. While the Yo-Yo Test minimum score is 17.1, the Bronco pushes cricketers harder, demanding constant speed and minimal recovery, testing both lungs and legs.
With Yo-Yo (recovery), Bronco (endurance), and 2KM (timed stamina), the BCCI has built a three-layered fitness model, tailored for the increasing demands of modern international cricket. The Bronco Test made its way into the Indian cricket lexicon earlier this week when the national team’s new strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux introduced the fitness test for the Men in Blue. The Bronco Test is primarily used by rugby teams and involves multiple shuttle runs of 20 metres, 40 metres and 60 metres.
The Bronco fitness test has been making headlines since India’s strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux suggested it in addition to the existing Yo-Yo test. Reacting to the news, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers One of the fittest cricketers shared his experience of the Bronco test which he is familiar with since his teenage days.
AB De Villiers explains his challenges with BCCI’s new Bronco Test ahead of Asia Cup 2025
India’s fitness tests already consist of several tests alongside the Yo-Yo Test, but recently, the Indian fitness and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux has suggested that the players should also undergo the Bronco Test.
Indian management, or Gautam Gambhir, has not issued any statements over it, yet they have reportedly called in many players to undergo the same tests. Reacting to this, former South African legend AB de Villiers has come forward and shared his experience with the Bronco Test. AB De Villiers recalled how the Bronco test should not be used as a parameter for fitness on high altitudes.
“I actually didn’t even know when the team told me about it. I said, ‘What is a Bronco Test?’ But when they explained it to me, I knew exactly what it was. I’ve been doing it ever since I was 16 years old. Over here in South Africa, we call it the sprint repeat ability test,” AB De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
The Indian management and Gautam Gambhir are probably considering the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul to undergo these tests, as the above-mentioned players have reportedly been summoned by the BCCI to take up the Tests at the CoE. These tests would be conducted to ensure the availability of these players ahead of the team selections for the upcoming tour against the West Indies, followed by the tour to Australia.
“It’s (Bronco Test) one of the worst you can do. I very clearly remember at the University of Pretoria, also at SuperSport Park, in the cold winter mornings of South Africa, in particular, where there’s not a lot of oxygen. The altitude here is, I think, 1,500 meters above sea level. So, not a lot of oxygen, and those lungs would burn,” AB De Viliers explained.