The Indian cricket team is set to introduce the Bronco Test as part of its fitness routine, following the recommendation of newly-appointed strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux. This marks a significant shift in Indiaโs fitness culture, as the test is designed to measure stamina and endurance more rigorously than existing benchmarks.
Le Roux, who rejoined the Men in Blue in June for his second stint after previously serving in 2002โ03, believes in prioritising running mileage over gym-heavy work, especially for fast bowlers. Interestingly, head coach Gautam Gambhir shares this philosophy, stressing that pacers need more ground miles to sustain performance in long tournaments.
The Bronco Test involves a set of shuttle runs covering 20m, 40m, and 60m distances, repeated in cycles. A player is expected to complete five sets โ nearly 1200 meters โ within six minutes, without any rest. This demanding drill is seen as a marker of the level of conditioning expected from players moving forward.
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According to The Indian Express, several contracted players have already visited the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to undergo this test. The focus, particularly for pacers, is on building running endurance rather than simply lifting weights.
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BCCI is likely to introduce a Rugby-centric Bronco Test to enhance fitness! ๐ฎ๐ณ๐
Players will need to run 20m, 40m & 60m in each set, completing 5 sets (a total of 1200 meters) without rest โ ideally finishing within 6 minutes! โฑ๏ธ#India #Cricket #BCCIโฆ pic.twitter.com/eVxwlOcYZe
โ Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 21, 2025
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Currently, the Indian team uses the Yo-Yo Test and the 2-km time trial as fitness parameters. The Yo-Yo Test, which demands a minimum score of 17.1, requires players to shuttle between cones set 20m apart at increasing speeds, with short recovery periods. Meanwhile, the 2-km time trial expects fast bowlers to clock 8 minutes 15 seconds, while batters and wicketkeepers are given 8 minutes 30 seconds.
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Le Roux brings vast experience to this role, having worked not just with India before but also with South Africa and IPL franchises Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings. With the Bronco Test now added to Indiaโs fitness arsenal, the team aims to raise the bar ahead of crucial assignments in the coming years.
