Team India is set to introduce a new Bronco fitness test for its players. Only those who clear the test will be eligible for selection. While fitness tests are nothing new in Indian cricket, former cricketer Manoj Tiwary has made a sensational claim — that the Bronco test is designed to keep Rohit Sharma out of the team.
🗣️ What Did Manoj Tiwary Say?
Speaking to CricTracker, Tiwary said:
- Rohit Sharma, who recently turned 38, wishes to continue playing till the 2027 World Cup.
- However, failing the Bronco Test could put his place in the team at risk.
- According to Tiwary, the sudden introduction of this test is questionable and seems aimed at filtering out senior players like Rohit.
He stated:
“The Bronco Test will be difficult for someone like Rohit Sharma. I feel this decision has been made to keep him out of future plans. If he doesn’t work extremely hard on his fitness, it will be tough for him to clear this.”
🚨 Is Bronco Test a Threat for Rohit Sharma?
- Tiwary claimed that while Virat Kohli is unlikely to be excluded from the 2027 World Cup plans, Rohit may not be given the same chance.
- He hinted that the test is not just about fitness, but also a strategic move by management to build a younger team.
- “Why was this test not introduced earlier, when the new coach took charge? Why now?” he questioned.
🏃 What is the Bronco Test?
The Bronco Test is widely used in rugby and is considered tougher than the Yo-Yo test.
How it works:
- Players must run multiple shuttle sprints of 20m, 40m, and 60m.
- The runs are repeated in a set time limit.
- The test focuses on endurance, stamina, and running capacity, rather than gym-based strength.
According to Team India’s Strength & Conditioning Coach Andrew Lee Rue, the test has been suggested to ensure players prioritize running fitness over just weight training.
📊 Comparison: Bronco Test vs Yo-Yo Test
| Feature | Yo-Yo Test | Bronco Test |
|---|---|---|
| Sport Origin | Football / Cricket | Rugby |
| Focus Area | Endurance + Recovery | High-intensity running & stamina |
| Distance Pattern | Shuttle runs with recovery | 20m, 40m, 60m shuttles repeatedly |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Higher – more challenging |
| Time Frame | Varies by level | Strict, short bursts of sprints |
⚡ Why is it Controversial?
- Fitness is crucial, but critics argue that one-size-fits-all tests are unfair to senior players.
- Rohit Sharma’s batting skills and leadership are unmatched, but such fitness benchmarks may create unnecessary hurdles for him.
- Fans are now debating whether the Bronco test is a genuine fitness improvement plan or a hidden agenda against senior players.
🙌 Final Thoughts
The introduction of the Bronco Test has sparked a heated debate in Indian cricket. While some see it as a much-needed step to improve overall team fitness, others, like Manoj Tiwary, believe it’s a strategic move against Rohit Sharma.
With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, the big question remains:
👉 Will Rohit Sharma be able to adapt and prove his fitness, or will this test become the biggest roadblock in his career?
