What is the Bronco Test? Ex-India coach explains new fitness test - 'Unlike yo-yo, cheating is minimised completely'

The Indian cricket team has added the Bronco Test to its fitness assessment protocols, alongside the existing Yo-Yo Test and the 2-kilometre time trial as per reports. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux have brought in the new measure to raise overall fitness standards. The Bronco Test, originally developed for rugby players, is designed to measure aerobic endurance while pushing cardiovascular limits. Its introduction suggests a shift to endurance-centric benchmarks in Indian cricket. The test involves running shuttle distances of 20, 40 and 60 meters. One set includes all three runs, and players must complete five continuous sets within six minutes. That totals 1200 meters without rest, making it a tough assessment of stamina, speed and conditioning. Former Indian team strength and conditioning coach Ramji Srinivasan has welcomed the move. “This is one test where which can be done anytime and anywhere. It's pertinent to all skill-sets, which is phenomenal. It has been done all over the world. People have shifted from yo-yo to this and the readings are so accurate really. We can measure the fatigue index also, which is very, very good," he told IANS. He explained that the test allows assessment of multiple metrics. “Apart from this, you can measure your VO2 max and sprint fatigue levels. It's a very simple and effective plus efficient way of assessing fitness levels. It’s very easy to set up and really pushes the athlete to the max,” he added. According to Srinivasan, a preferred base level timing for the test is between 5:15 and 5:30 minutes, with anything under five minutes considered excellent. “For any cricketer to call themselves an elite athlete, they should be aiming for sub-five timing. Also, this test can be repeated anywhere - indoor or outdoor,” he said. He also pointed out the advantages over the Yo-Yo Test. “For cricketing systems, this is a very good test, where the ability to cheat or cut corners, unlike yo-yo, is minimised completely. I think this should have been introduced long back, but very good to see it in the system,” said Srinivasan. The former coach highlighted that the Bronco Test challenges both body and mind. "Finally, it also pushes you mentally - because you're so tired at the end of it. Your lactate buildup, threshold zone, and crossing levels - it's tough to push, so you have to work mentally also to be prepared for clearing this test,” he concluded.