The introduction of the new fitness regime might seem like just a change in training exercise, but former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, on his Ash Ki Baat podcast on YouTube, has highlighted the complexities of Indian cricket switching from one training scheme to another when the team captain and the strength and conditioning coach changes. Ravichandran Ashwin also called for some sort of continuity when there is a change in guard of S&C coaches.
Ravichandran Ashwin had invited former India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai on Ash ki Baat to understand the nuances of the newly-introduced Bronco Test, where the spinner broke down how each “era” meant a national team cricketer had to change their physical training routine. Ravichandran Ashwin termed this a “big problem” for player.
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.
On his YouTube podcast, Ash Ki Baat Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin and former India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai broke down the newly-introduced Bronco Test and the complexities of India’s fitness “eras”.
Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin slams introduction of Bronco Test for the Indian team ahead of Asia Cup 2025
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that when the trainers change, the testing mechanism changes, adding that the reported introduction of the Bronco test might put the cricketers through a lot of difficulty and might also lead to injuries.With the Bronco test now in place, the YoYo test is no longer the only benchmark for measuring fitness.
It is worth noting that the Bronco test is designed to assess aerobic endurance and challenge a player’s cardiovascular capacity. Adrian le Roux, who replaced Soham Desai as strength and conditioning coach, has requested the pacers to focus on increasing their running workload instead of relying just on gym-based training. Only Mohammed Siraj featured in all five games of the England series, raising questions over the fitness of the other pacers.
On his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, Ravichandran Ashwin explained that cricketers face added challenges when trainers change and introduce their own methods.
“I have always asked the trainers. When the trainers change, the testing mechanism changes. The trainer changes, the training schemes change. When this happens, players go through a lot of difficulty,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.
“As a player, if you keep changing training schemes, it is virtually very difficult for the players. In many cases, it could also lead to injuries. I am not denying that, it has led to injuries,” Ravichandran Ashwin added.
“From 2017 to 2019, I was searching for my training scheme. I have endured this. Soham Desai knows all about this,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.
The Bronco test, used in rugby and football, assesses a player’s aerobic endurance and recovery capacity. The test needs to be completed with five shuttle runs of 20 m, 40 m and 60 m each, without breaks. Completing all five sets covers a total of 1,200 m, with the time recorded; faster times reflect higher fitness levels.
“I just want to raise some questions. As a player, the problem is one of continuity. I would really like some continuity. It is important to give that. I would just want that whenever a new trainer comes in, he should work with the outgoing trainer for six months to one year to give the handover,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.
India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, and will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10. Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
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