Cricket is no longer just a game of skill — it’s now a sport that demands top-tier fitness, stamina, and mental resilience. To keep up with the growing intensity of international cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new fitness benchmark: the Bronco Test.
While this test has been a long-time staple in rugby, it’s now officially part of India’s fitness regime for selecting and preparing cricketers — especially for fast bowlers, fielders, and senior players.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Bronco Test — how it works, how it’s different from the Yo-Yo Test, why it’s important, and how players like Rohit Sharma have performed.
What Is the Bronco Test?
The Bronco Test is a high-intensity running drill designed to test an athlete’s aerobic endurance, speed, stamina, and mental toughness. It is widely used in rugby and football, and now adopted by BCCI for cricket.
How the Bronco Test Works:
The player must complete 5 continuous sets of the following shuttle runs:
| Distance | Action |
|---|---|
| 20 metres | Sprint to 20m and back |
| 40 metres | Sprint to 40m and back |
| 60 metres | Sprint to 60m and back |
- One full set = 240 metres
- Total distance = 240m x 5 = 1,200 metres
- Target time = Under 6 minutes (for elite players)
There are no rest breaks between sets. The entire test is continuous.
Why Has BCCI Introduced the Bronco Test?
1. Raise Overall Fitness Standards
Modern cricket demands long hours on the field, quick sprints, and fast recovery. The Bronco Test measures whether a player can keep performing without tiring out quickly.
2. Better Endurance for Fast Bowlers
Reports suggest Indian pacers have been over-relying on gym workouts and neglecting cardio-based training. The Bronco Test ensures bowlers build running endurance needed for long spells in matches.
3. Mental Resilience
Unlike the Yo-Yo Test, which includes rest periods, the Bronco Test forces players to push through discomfort and fatigue — simulating pressure scenarios in real matches.
4. Game-Relevant Movement
The test mimics cricket-specific movements — like sprinting between wickets, fielding in the deep, and turning quickly after a chase.
Bronco Test vs Yo-Yo Test: Key Differences
| Feature | Bronco Test | Yo-Yo Test |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Continuous endurance | Intermittent endurance |
| Format | 5 sets of 20m, 40m, 60m shuttles | 20m shuttles with increasing speed |
| Rest | ❌ No rest breaks | ✅ Short 5-10s rest |
| Measurement | Time to finish 1200m | Max level/distance before failure |
| Intensity | Very High | High |
| Usage | Rugby, Cricket | Cricket, Football |
| Toughness | More demanding | Slightly less intense |
Like to know in detail – Bronco Test vs Yo Yo Test Comparison
What Does the Bronco Test Measure?
- Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacity
- Cardiovascular Health
- Speed Endurance
- Recovery Ability
- Mental Grit Under Fatigue
Player Reactions & Performances
AB de Villiers’ Take
South African legend AB de Villiers called the Bronco Test “one of the worst” fitness drills he’s ever done. According to him, “those lungs burn”, especially in high-altitude conditions.
Rohit Sharma Impresses at Age 38
- Rohit Sharma, India’s senior ODI cricketer, recently passed the Bronco Test at age 38.
- He completed the test at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on August 31, 2025.
- His physical appearance and effort reportedly impressed coaches and selectors.
- This performance boosts his chances for India’s upcoming ODI tour of Australia in October.
Read more: – Rohit Sharma Captaincy Record
Latest Updates: August–September 2025
- August 30–31: Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, and others underwent Bronco and Yo-Yo Tests at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
- Result: All players reportedly passed.
- Rohit’s Future: Confirmed for ODI squad, may also feature in India A matches in Kanpur.
Benefits of the Bronco Test for Cricketers
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Builds Stamina | Helps players last longer in long-format games |
| Enhances Recovery | Improves body’s ability to bounce back mid-game |
| Mental Strength | Conditions players to handle pressure |
| Cricket-Specific Movements | Mimics on-field demands of sprinting and agility |
| Sets New Benchmark | Raises the bar for selection in national teams |
Who Should Take the Bronco Test?
- Fast Bowlers: To sustain long spells with high energy
- Fielders: To improve chasing, diving, and throwing endurance
- Senior Players: To maintain high standards of fitness
- Upcoming Talent: To qualify for the Indian national team
Read more:- New Sponsors for Team India
Conclusion
The Bronco Test is more than just a fitness drill — it’s a symbol of the evolving demands of modern cricket. With no rest breaks, longer distances, and extreme pressure on both body and mind, it has quickly become a crucial selection tool for Indian cricketers.
The BCCI’s decision to implement this test shows a clear shift toward performance-oriented fitness culture in Indian cricket — where skill alone is no longer enough.
And with senior pros like Rohit Sharma setting the bar, the message is clear: Be fit, or be left out.
