Indian cricketers are all set to go through a new, intense fitness Test during training sessions to be in their best physical condition during matches.
To ensure that the players, who are selected to play in matches, maintain a high level of fitness, the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian think tank is all set to introduce and rugby-centric Bronco Test.
According to The Indian Express, the new fitness trial will be introduced on the suggestion of the Indian team’s strength and conditioning coach, Adrian le Roux, as he especially wants the fast bowlers to clock more running time in training instead of spending time in the gym.
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A source close to IE said: "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."
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India head coach Gautam Gambhir has also approved the plan and given his nod to Le Roux to implement the Bronco Test in training sessions.
🚨 The new Bronco Test for the Indian team has been in place starting from the tour of England. Several players like KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan were seen undergoing the Bronco Test in England. @rohitjuglan pic.twitter.com/dRUYPOKngB
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 21, 2025
What is Bronco Test?
In a Bronco Test, the players undergo multiple shuttle runs of 20 metres, 40 metres and 60 metres. A player starts with a 20m shuttle, which means 20m + 20m up and down, which constitutes to 40m of total runs.
Similarly, for the remaining two shuttles, a player effectively covers 80m and 120m distances, respectively.
A player has to complete five such sets of each shuttle and eventually end up covering a 1200m distance, without taking a break. The players have been asked to complete the entire test in and under six minutes.
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How is Bronco Test different from Yo-Yo Test?
Earlier, the Indian team used to undergo the Yo-Yo Test, where a player was required to run with a marked distance of 20 metres, with increased pace in each turn. The players also enjoyed 10 seconds after every 40m run.
Compared to the Yo-Yo Test, the rugby-centric Bronco is much more intense and with further enhance the national team's fitness levels.