What is Bronco Test in cricket?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI) has introduced the Bronco Test as part of its new fitness standards for players. After relying on the Yo-Yo Test for years, the board has now added this rugby-style fitness drill to focus more on Stamina, endurance, and overall match readiness.

What is Bronco test, and Why BCCI introduce it?

The Bronco Test is a running-based fitness drill that measures aerobic capacity and endurance. Players have to complete shuttle runs of 20 meters, 40 meters, and 60 meters, making one set. This sequence is repeated five times without a break, covering a total distance of 1200 meters. Indian players are required to finish the Bronco Test in six minutes or less. This makes it a tough challenge because it tests speed, stamina, and the ability to recover during continuous running. Unlike gym workouts that focus on strength, this test pushes players to maintain endurance over time.

The need for the Broco Test came up after India’s 2025 Anderson Tendulkar Trophy, where several fast bowlers struggled with injuries. Out of six pacers selected, only Mohammad Siraj played all five Tests without any fitness issues. This highlighted the importance of building running-based endurance instead of relying only on gym training. India’s strength and conditioning coach, Adrian le Roux, supported by head coach Gautam Gambhir, recommended the Bronco Test to improve stamina levels, especially for pace bowlers.

Bronco Test vs YO-YO Test 

Both the Bronco Test and Yo-Yo Test are used to assess endurance, but they are structured completely.

Yo-Yo Test: Players run 20-meter shuttles at increasing speeds controlled by audio beeps. After each 40 meters, they get a 10-second recovery. The test continues until the players can’t keep pace, with Level 17.1 set as the minimum benchmark.

Bronco Test: Required players to run 20m, 40m, and 60M shuttles five times in one go without breaks. It measures sustained stamina, speed, and the ability to keep running at a steady pace.

Together, these tests ensure that players are fit not only for short bursts of activity but also for long, demanding matches.

The Bronco Test is already being conducted at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Several contracted players have taken the Test to set a consistent benchmark. While the Yo-Yo Test continues, the Bronco Test has been added to further raise fitness levels and prepare players for long tournaments and series. The Bronco Test is a new addition to cricket’s fitness program, inspired by rugby. It is designed to push players beyond the gym-based strength training and focus on endurance. By combining it with the Yo-Yo test and 2-km run, the BCCI is aiming to build players who are stronger and better prepared for the demands of modern cricket.