The Bronco Test is the new Physical Test introduced by the BCCI to improve and maintain a certain level of fitness for the players in the Indian squad. The Article will explain the new benchmark introduced in fitness for team selections and how it will change the way Indian cricket is played in the future. The Other regular tests, such as the Yo-Yo Test and the 2 km trials, along with their updates, is also covered here.

Introduction: Improving the Fitness Standards 

Until the 1970s, cricket was not known as a physically demanding sport. It was more recognized for its emphasis on skill and temperament.

Cricket has evolved from a slow-paced game to a highly physically demanding sport. In the 70s, physical fitness always took the backseat as there was enough time between two games. Moreover, it was a single-format (Test Matches) game.

In the past, when only Test cricket was played, the game moved at a snail’s pace, with an additional rest day between the five-day Test match. Moreover, the game between one Test match to the next had a minimum five to seven-day gap to help players rest well before the next game.

Till then, unlike other outdoor sports, cricket was considered the least physical sport.

With the advent of the One Day format, fielding came into prominence, and the pace of the game also increased. Cricket, the sport, expected players to become physically fit to endure the challenges in the game.

The T20 format took the game of cricket to a whole new level. The challenges of the game has made it a young man’s game requiring quick movement and powerplay skills. The T20 game has influenced the other formats to also become faster.

Cricket rules were tweaked to make the game faster. The use of a substitute runner for an injured batsman was discontinued. Players were now expected to be fit for the entire game or become a liability for their Team.

Apart from skills, Players are now required to be at their very best physically.  Mandatory tests needed to be cleared for all players before being eligible for selection.

With Virat Kohli emerging as one of the fittest cricketers in the world, the emphasis on fitness in Indian cricket has grown stronger than ever.

Current Fitness Tests made compulsory by the BCCI till date

1. Yo‑Yo Test

The Test measures aerobic fitness and recovery speed via 20 m runs at increasing speeds, interspersed with 10-second rest periods

The minimum passing score hovers around Level 17.1 for Team India selections

2. 2‑km Time Trial

This is an endurance challenge wherein fast bowlers must clock 2KM distance under 8 min 15 sec, while batsmen, spinners, and keepers have up to 8 min 30 sec.

Indian cricketers used to hit the gym for their strength training which neglected endurance drills . This compromised stamina especially for fast bowlers as running was not part of the drill.

Preparing for Asia Cup: Bronco Test for Indian Cricket 

As part of the Asia Cup preparation and going forward , the BCCI has now introduced new fitness protocols over and above the YO- YO Test and 2 km time trials .

Strength & Conditioning coach Adrian le Roux  introduced the new Bronco Test Indian cricket fitness  for endurance and power.

Bronco Test

The Bronco Test will be the new fitness benchmark for Indian cricket making it a game‑changing endurance assessment. This shift represents a move towards a more holistic, performance-driven fitness culture.

Inspired by rugby, the Bronco Test involves five consecutive sets of 20 m, 40 m, and 60 m shuttle runs—totaling 1,200 m within six minutes. It simulates short bursts to test speed, endurance, and resilience under fatigue. Its structure closely reflects the stop-start nature of sports like cricket, where athletes frequently engage in short bursts of high-intensity movement with minimal rest. Its continuous nature minimizes opportunities for pacing tricks or test manipulation.

Performance Benchmarks

To be considered in top physical condition, players must complete the full test in under 5 minutes.

Typical benchmarks for Indian cricketers:

Fast/ Pace bowlers: Aim for 4:30 to 4:45 minutes

Batsmen and spin bowlers: Expected between 4:50 to 5:10 minutes

These target times may vary slightly based on the athlete’s role and training status.

The Bronco Test allows players to have

• On-field stamina across long matches
• Resistance to fatigue during key moments
• Recovery capabilities between overs or deliveries.

Summary

The New Bronco Test is currently attracting lot of praise as well as criticism from former players and experts.

Former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin cautioned that changing proven systems too frequently could unsettle players and impact preparation.

Ex-cricketer Manoj Tiwary even alleged that the test’s introduction might target senior players like Rohit Sharma, though this claim was controversial

Here are some of the top fittest Indian cricketers of 2025 – expert evaluations:

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli continues to set the fitness benchmark for Indian cricket. The team’s Strength & Conditioning Coach has praised him as “the fittest player in the Indian team and the world,” crediting his unwavering discipline, structured training regime, and rigorous nutrition plan for his standout physical condition.

2. Rohit Sharma

Despite being 38, Rohit Sharma’s fitness remains exceptional. He recently not only cleared but aced both the new Bronco Test and the Yo-Yo Test during fitness evaluations at the BCCI Centre of Excellence—defying expectations and showcasing elite-level stamina and agility.

3. Shubman Gill

Young and dynamic, Shubman Gill stands out for his exceptional Yo-Yo Test scores. Reports highlight that he surpassed Virat Kohli’s numbers, marking him as perhaps the fittest player in India’s current lineup.