The BCCI has reportedly introduced a rugby-centric Bronco fitness test for Indian players in an effort to ensure consistently high fitness standards. It will now be used alongside the established Yo-Yo test and 2-kilometer time trial to assess players’ readiness for international competition.
To ensure top Indian cricketers maintain a high level of fitness and improve their aerobic capacity, the rugby-centric Bronco Test — involving multiple shuttle runs of 20 metres, 40 metres and 60 metres — has been introduced.
the Indian team’s strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux who also wants the fast bowlers to clock more running miles instead of being gym-focused. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is also on the same page.
For starters, the Bronco test does not replace the existing Yo-Yo test and the 2-kilometre time trial. India head coach Gautam Gambhir and strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux have instead introduced the Bronco test, originally developed for rugby which measures aerobic endurance and pushes cardiovascular limits.
What is the Bronco test?
The Bronco test is a high-intensity aerobic running drill which involves shuttle runs of 20, 40 and 60 metres respectively. So an athlete must run 20 metres and cover as much distance on the way back, totaling 40 metres. Going by this rule, the player effectively covers 80m and 120m respectively for the other two shuttle runs.
The three distances form a set, and in the Bronco test, a player must complete five sets, effectively covering 1,200 metres, without taking rest. The time taken to complete the five sets is then noted as a measure of a player’s fitness, with the team currently setting six minutes as the benchmark.
Why the Bronco Test?
“The Bronco Test has been introduced at the Centre of Excellence. Some of India’s contracted players have travelled to Bengaluru and have taken the test. The Bronco Test is being used to ensure there are clear fitness standards. Also, it was noticed that Indian cricketers, more so the fast bowlers, were not running enough and spending too much time in the gym. Players have been told that they will have to do more running,” a source said.
In the 2-km time trial, the benchmark for fast bowlers was 8 minutes and 15 seconds. For batsmen, wicket-keepers and spinners, it was 8 minutes and 30 seconds.
The Yo-Yo-Test involves running between markers placed 20 meters apart, at increasing speeds, with a 10-second break between each 40-metre run. The minimum Yo-Yo level for the Indian team was set at 17.1.
According to The Indian Express, several players have already undergone the Bronco test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Additionally, le Roux had recommended the test in response to concerns over players, especially fast bowlers, spending too much time in gyms instead of endurance training.
Le Roux had rejoined the Indian team as their s&c coach in June this year, having previously worked with the Indian team from January 2002 and May 2003 under then-captain Sourav Ganguly and head coach John Wright. He has also worked with Cricket South Africa as well as Indian Premier League franchises Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.