The Bronco Test was created by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to increase the level of fitness required of players hoping to make the national men’s team. Despite being new to cricket, the test is a mainstay in rugby and is renowned for testing an athlete’s recovery processes, stamina, and endurance.
What Is Bronco Test?
A high-intensity running exercise called the Bronco Test measures a player’s cardiovascular fitness, speed, and endurance. It consists of shuttle runs of 20, 40, and 60 meters, and a total of 1,200 meters must be covered in five consecutive sets without respite. Competitors run all three distances in a single set, and the test should be finished in less than six minutes.
The test is currently being administered as a routine fitness test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where several Indian players have already completed it, according to media reports.
Adrian le Roux, who returned to the Indian team in June 2025 as the strength and conditioning coach, suggested the test be added. Le Roux, who worked with Cricket South Africa and IPL teams like the Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings, previously held the position from January 2002 to May 2003.
Beginning at the baseline (0m), a player does a sequence of shuttle runs that include:
- Running back to the starting point after reaching the 20-meter marker.
- Running back to the starting point after reaching the 40-meter marker.
- Running back to the starting point after reaching the 60-meter marker.
One set is finished when the player completes all three shuttle runs up to the 60-meter marker. The player travels a total of 240 meters in one set. They must complete five sets of the 240-meter circuit, covering a total distance of 1,200 meters. The player’s time is recorded after successfully completing all five sets.
Bronco Test Vs Yo-Yo Test
The biggest difference between the Bronco Test and the Yo-Yo Test is that the Yo-Yo Test measures intermittent endurance, while the Bronco Test measures continuous aerobic endurance and stamina. Also, there are brief rest periods in the Yo-Yo Test, while no such rest period exists in the Bronco Test.
Why Did The BCCI Select The Bronco Test?
“The board wants players to have high fitness standards,” a BCCI insider told The Indian Express, adding that the fast bowlers were spending too much time in the gym and not exercising enough. He disclosed that a number of Indian athletes have already completed the Centre of Excellence’s Bronco Test.
“The Centre of Excellence has implemented the Bronco Test. A few contractual players from India have visited Bengaluru and taken the test to make sure there are clear fitness requirements. The Bronco Test is used.” Additionally, it was observed that Indian cricket players, particularly the fast bowlers, were spending too much time in the gym and not running enough. According to a source, players have been informed that they would need to run more.
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