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| image: Rohit and virat Bronco test |
"Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma Face the New 'Bronco Test' Ahead of Asia Cup 2025"
Will Rohit Sharma clear the fitness hurdle or is this the
beginning of India’s next-gen era? All eyes are on Bengaluru as Team India
gears up for the Asia Cup with the toughest fitness test in cricket – the
Bronco.
Team India’s Test captain and T20 vice-captain Shubman Gill
has checked into the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for a
mandatory fitness test before flying to Dubai for the Asia Cup. The Indian
squad, announced earlier this week, is scheduled to assemble in Dubai on
September 4, just ahead of the tournament opener against hosts UAE on September
1.
Shubman Gill at the Centre of Excellence :
India’s Test captain and T20 vice-captain Shubman Gill has
arrived at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to undergo the
newly-introduced Bronco Test before the Asia Cup. Gill, recovering from flu,
had missed the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal but is expected to head straight from
Bengaluru to Dubai to join the squad.
Rohit Sharma in the Spotlight :
Joining Gill is Rohit Sharma, who at 38, finds himself under
immense pressure. Having already stepped away from T20Is and Test cricket,
Rohit remains in India’s ODI setup—but the Bronco Test could decide his future.
Critics argue that this fitness standard might be too harsh
on senior pros. Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary even alleged that the test was
brought in to edge Rohit out, while fitter players like Virat Kohli would
breeze through it. If Rohit fails, his ODI comeback chances may vanish.
What Is the Bronco Test?
Replacing the popular Yo-Yo Test, the Bronco comes from
rugby and is far tougher. Players must run 20m, 40m, and 60m shuttle sprints,
completing five rounds within 6 minutes. The drill measures stamina,
recovery, and speed—three things modern cricket demands.
This test will now act as the selection benchmark: no matter
how big a player’s name is, failing the test means losing a spot in the squad.
Why Fitness Matters in Indian Cricket :
With two World Cups (T20 and ODI) and the World Test Championship
cycle in the next two years, fitness has become non-negotiable. BCCI wants a
squad that can match the physical standards of Australia, England, and New
Zealand.
History backs this philosophy. In the 1980s, Clive Lloyd’s
West Indies dominated cricket largely because of their fitness. Their legendary
pacers—Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, and Andy Roberts—rarely broke down
thanks to peak conditioning.
For India too, recent success has been built on fitness,
allowing stars like Kohli, Bumrah, and Jadeja to perform consistently across
formats.
The Debate : Too Tough or Necessary ?
Not everyone is sold on the Bronco. Supporters see it as
fair and transparent, ensuring only the fittest play. Critics, however, warn
that it’s too exhausting, risks injury, and disadvantages senior players.
Another issue :
Timing Players complain they weren’t given
enough notice. Had the BCCI announced this six months earlier, cricketers and
selectors could have planned better.
Who Else Is in Bengaluru ?
Apart from Gill and Rohit, Mohammed Siraj has also checked
into CoE for the test. Reserves like Washington Sundar and Yashasvi Jaiswal are
busy in the Duleep Trophy, while bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and
Kuldeep Yadav are already in domestic action.
Australia A’s upcoming tour of Kanpur in late September
could also test India’s bench strength. Participation, however, depends on how
players fare in the Bronco test and the Asia Cup grind.
The Bigger Picture :
- As Team India prepares for a crucial two-year cycle, the Bronco Test is more than just a drill—it’s a career-defining moment.
- Pass it, and you’re in the squad.
- Fail it, and even legends like Rohit Sharma or Mohammed Shami could find themselves sidelined.
- The message is clear: in modern cricket, fitness equals selection.
- The next few days in Bengaluru won’t just decide India’s Asia Cup campaign they could also reshape the future of Indian cricket.
