Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to tighten fitness standards for Indian cricket team players following the team’s disappointing performances on the Ireland and England tours.
Under the revised fitness protocol, players will now have to clear two demanding tests — the Bronco Test and a 2-kilometre run — in a much tougher format than before.
Bronco Test Gets Stricter
Earlier, players were given 6 minutes to complete the Bronco Test. Under the new rules, they must finish it in 5 minutes 15 seconds to 5 minutes 20 seconds, reducing the allowed time by up to 40 seconds.
The Bronco Test consists of five continuous sets with no break between them. In each set, players must complete:
20-metre shuttle run
40-metre shuttle run
60-metre shuttle run
This adds up to 240 metres per set, meaning players cover a total of 1,200 metres during the entire test.
2-km Run to Follow Immediately
The 2-kilometre run, which was previously conducted as a stand-alone test, will now be held immediately after the Bronco Test.
Under the earlier system:
Fast bowlers had to complete 2 km in 8 minutes 15 seconds.
Other players had a limit of 8 minutes 30 seconds.
The BCCI has slightly relaxed the timing for the new combined format, allowing players to complete the run in 9 to 10 minutes. However, since both tests will be conducted back-to-back, the overall challenge has increased significantly.
Focus on Higher Endurance
New fitness benchmarks are aimed at improving endurance, recovery, and match fitness, especially for players involved in long overseas tours and high-intensity international cricket. The revised standards are expected to make selection and retention in the Indian team more competitive than ever before.
