Former India spinner R 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.Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has questioned the introduction of the Bronco Test into Team India’s training protocols ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
The veteran cricketer R Ashwin stressed that abrupt shifts in fitness assessments, especially with new trainers, could disrupt continuity and even increase the risk of injuries.
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.
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 R 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”.
R Ashwin slams the management for introduction of Bronco Test ahead of Asia Cup 2025
Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has questioned the introduction of the Bronco Test into Team India’s training protocols ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. The veteran cricketer stressed that abrupt shifts in fitness assessments, especially with new trainers, could disrupt continuity and even increase the risk of injuries.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat, R Ashwin said,
“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. Whenever a new trainer comes in, he should work with the outgoing trainer for six months to one year to give the handover. There is no need to change something that is working. If something is working, then it needs to be discussed and then changed.” R Ashwin said .
R Ashwin highlighted the importance of a structured handover when new trainers take over. He suggested that incoming coaches should work alongside their predecessors for at least six months to ensure consistency in players’ physical regimes. Drawing from his own struggles between 2017 and 2019, R Ashwin noted how frequent changes in training strategies forced players to constantly adapt, leading to added stress on their bodies.
R Ashwin reiterated that while raising fitness standards is important, player welfare should remain the priority. He cautioned that making sweeping changes without considering long-term implications could backfire during crucial tournaments like the Asia Cup. “Fitness benchmarks should evolve, but not at the cost of players’ health and consistency,” he warned.
Reportedly, many cricketers have already gone through the Bronco test at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. India’s next assignment is T20 Asia Cup 2025 in UAE. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will start their campaign against UAE on September 10. They have been placed in Group B alongside Pakistan and Oman.
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