Bengaluru, August 29: Indian ODI captain Rohit Sharma is set to report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on September 13 for a detailed fitness assessment ahead of India’s white-ball assignments later this year.
According to a report in Times of India, Rohit will spend two to three days at the state-of-the-art facility, where he will undergo a series of tests and practice sessions as part of his preparation for the Australia white-ball tour in November.
What Tests Will Rohit Face?
Apart from the familiar Yo-Yo test, Rohit will also be put through the newly-introduced Bronco test — a rugby-originated endurance test that demands high aerobic capacity. The BCCI has recently incorporated the Bronco test into its evaluation system to further raise fitness standards for national players.
- Yo-Yo Test: Measures aerobic endurance and recovery speed.
- Bronco Test: Involves repeated 20m, 40m, and 60m shuttle runs over five minutes, designed to push cardiovascular fitness.
The CoE is also hosting the Duleep Trophy final (September 11–15), which means Rohit will train on a different ground within the same facility during his stay.
Why Fitness Tests Matter for Rohit ?
Rohit has not played international cricket since the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on March 9. His last competitive outing came in the IPL, representing Mumbai Indians against Punjab Kings. With India scheduled to play a high-profile ODI series against Australia from October 19 in Perth, the fitness tests will be crucial in determining his match readiness.
There is also speculation that both Rohit and Virat Kohli may feature in the upcoming India A vs Australia A ODI series, which could serve as ideal preparation ahead of the senior team’s assignments.
Expert Concerns: Can Rohit Clear the Bronco Test?
Former India batter Manoj Tiwary expressed doubts over Rohit’s ability to clear the Bronco test without focused preparation.
“The Bronco Test will be one of the toughest fitness parameters introduced in Indian cricket. The question is, why was it enforced now and not from the very first series under the new head coach? My observation is that it could be difficult for Rohit if he hasn’t worked hard enough on his fitness,” Tiwary told CricTracker.
Tiwary’s comments highlight both the stringent standards the BCCI is setting and the scrutiny senior players face when returning from extended breaks.
The inclusion of the Bronco test underscores the BCCI’s intent to align Indian cricket’s fitness benchmarks with international best practices, especially in the build-up to a demanding season that includes tours against Australia and other major series.
For Rohit Sharma, who carries the dual responsibility of captaincy and anchoring India’s batting lineup, clearing these tests will be as much about confidence and optics as it is about physical endurance.
Yo-Yo Test vs Bronco Test in Cricket: Explained
Modern cricket demands elite fitness levels, not just technical skill. To measure player readiness, cricket boards around the world use standardized fitness tests. The most common is the Yo-Yo Test, and in 2025 the BCCI formally introduced the Bronco Test for Indian players.
What is the Yo-Yo Test?
The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (Level 1 or 2) is designed to measure a player’s endurance, stamina, and recovery ability.
How it Works
Two cones are placed 20 meters apart.
Players run between the cones in sync with audio beeps.
After every 40 meters (one shuttle), there is a 10-second active recovery jog.
The running pace increases progressively as the beeps get faster.
The test ends when a player fails to keep up with the beeps.
What it Measures
Aerobic capacity (VO2 max)
Ability to recover quickly during repeated sprints — very similar to cricket match situations.
Use in Cricket
First formally adopted by the Indian cricket team in 2017 under coach Anil Kumble and trainer Shankar Basu
India’s passing benchmark has typically been 16.1 (out of 23).
High performers include Virat Kohli and Manish Pandey, while some players like Ambati Rayudu once failed and were sidelined.
What is the Bronco Test?
The Bronco Test is a high-intensity running drill that originated in rugby and football, now adapted into cricket.
How it Works
The test lasts 5 minutes.
Players repeatedly run shuttles of 20m, 40m, and 60m, then back to the start, without breaks.
Example cycle: 20m → back, 40m → back, 60m → back = 1 rep. Repeat for 5 minutes.
Distance covered is recorded.
What it Measures
Aerobic endurance (long-term stamina)
Speed endurance (ability to maintain pace under fatigue)
Mental resilience, since the test is grueling and continuous
Use in Cricket
Widely used in rugby teams like the New Zealand All Blacks for over a decade
In cricket, South African players like AB de Villiers have said they trained with it from as early as age 16
India (BCCI) became the first cricket board to formally adopt it as a benchmark in 2025, under head coach Gautam Gambhir and trainer Adrian le Roux The international standard is around 2000 meters in 5 minutes for elite athletes.
Key Differences: Yo-Yo vs Bronco
| Aspect | Yo-Yo Test | Bronco Test |
| ————– | ———————————————– | ————————————————- |
| Duration | Until exhaustion (usually 15–20 mins) | Fixed 5 minutes |
| Format | 20m shuttle runs with beeps + 10s recovery | Continuous 20m–40m–60m shuttle runs |
| Measures | Recovery ability + endurance | Speed endurance + aerobic capacity |
| Origin | Football (Denmark) → adopted in cricket | Rugby (New Zealand, South Africa) |
Why These Tests Matter
Modern cricket (especially T20) requires explosive sprints, fast recovery, and all-day stamina.
These tests provide objective metrics instead of subjective judgments about fitness.
By adding the Bronco Test, the BCCI is aligning India’s program with global best practices and ensuring players can sustain high-intensity performance across formats.
Sources:
-
ESPNcricinfo – “Yo-Yo endurance test puts players out of contention”
-
India Today – “BCCI introduces Bronco Test for Indian cricketers”
-
NDTV Sports – “AB de Villiers on Bronco Test”
-
CoachWeb – “All Blacks and the Bronco Test”
