BCCI’s introduction Bronco Test for Indian Cricketers has sparked quite a heated discussion. Initially, coaches introduced it as a fitness benchmark, but now critics suspect it hides a different purpose. Former India all-rounder Manoj Tiwary certainly stirred the pot with a daring statement. He argued that the test did not come in by chance. Instead, he suggested it was designed to push Rohit Sharma out of the team. Moreover, he insisted that the sudden timing could not be a coincidence.
The Bronco Test demands extreme effort. Players dash back and forth in sets of 60 meters, 40 meters, and 20 meters, doing this five times in a row. In total, they must complete 1,200 meters without pause. The drill tests your speed, stamina, and mental toughness. Even top athletes struggle to finish it in the required time.
Furthermore, Tiwary questioned the intention behind this new standard. He directly asked, “Why now, and who enforced it?” His words suggested that someone wanted to use fitness as a filter to keep certain players out.
This is not the first time fitness rules have stirred controversy in Indian cricket. After the 2011 World Cup, the Yo-Yo Test really took off as the go-to standard for measuring performance. Soon after, icons like Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, and Yuvraj Singh found themselves out of the squad. Therefore, Tiwary believes history might repeat itself if the Bronco Test stays in place.
However, Rohit Sharma’s performance on the field tells a different story. Since 2023, he has dominated ODI batting charts. He has scored more than 1,700 runs at an average close to 49. His strike rate in power plays sits above 120, the best among openers. He is also the only batsman with more than 1,000 powerplay runs in this period. Clearly, his fitness level has not stopped him from delivering match-winning performances.
Nevertheless, modern cricket does not allow players to rely on batting skills alone. Teams demand supreme fitness, and selectors often use tests like Bronco as a deciding factor. Yet, not everyone agrees with this method.
Recently, Ravichandran Ashwin issued a caution. He said, “If something is working, don’t change it.” His point was simple: sudden fitness overhauls can harm the team more than they help. Players prepare for years under one system, and a new test can upset their rhythm.
The Bronco Test also carries a brutal reputation worldwide. In fact, South African great AB de Villiers once admitted that it was one of the hardest drills he had ever attempted. Therefore, critics argue that if even elite athletes find it punishing, it should not be the sole factor in deciding the future of established stars.
In conclusion, the Bronco Test for Indian Cricketers has become more than a fitness trial. Manoj Tiwary’s claim that it was introduced to target Rohit Sharma has thrown fresh light on the issue. While his words sound explosive, no concrete proof backs them yet.
Even so, the debate continues. Some believe the Bronco Test will genuinely lift India’s fitness standards, while others fear it may quietly push senior players out of the team. For now, only time and performance will reveal the truth.
