Unveiled: Rugby's Bronco Test, a Player Assessment Method, Prepared for Adoption by Indian Cricketers

The Indian cricket team is set to introduce a new fitness test, the Bronco Test, for its cricketers. The test, originally designed for rugby players, is aimed at assessing the aerobic fitness levels and fatigue index of fast bowlers.

According to reports, the suggestion for the introduction of the Bronco Test came from Indian strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux. The test is believed to help India's injury-stricken fast bowlers, with Ramji Srinivasan, who was India's strength and conditioning coach during the 2011 World Cup, expressing his support for the move.

The physiology of fast bowling is demanding, requiring excellent aerobic fitness, flexibility, core strength and stability, reactive strength, balance, and power. Fast bowlers are likened to cricket decathletes due to their need for varied energy systems and skills.

During the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, several of India's top players, including Jasprit Bumrah, were reported to have struggled with their pace in the latter half of the series. Anshul Kamboj, who made his Test debut at Manchester, also bowled below his usual speed-gun readings during the tournament.

The Bronco Test involves running 240 meters (0m to 60m, back to 0m, to 40m, back to 0m, to 20m, and finally back to 0m) in a single set, with five sets completing the test. The benchmark for the fast bowlers in the 2-km time trial is eight minutes and 15 seconds, while for batters, wicketkeepers, and spinners, the benchmark is eight minutes and 30 seconds.

The Indian fast bowlers have reportedly been asked to complete the Bronco Test in under six minutes. The test provides data and information that can be harnessed according to the skill, helping in understanding the aerobic fitness levels and fatigue index of fast bowlers.

The origins of the Bronco Test are not clearly documented in the available public sources. However, its potential benefits for the injury-prone Indian fast bowlers make it an exciting development in the world of cricket fitness.