Controversy Surrounds Introduction of Bronco Test in Indian Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has raised significant concerns regarding the newly introduced Bronco Test in Indian cricket, claiming it was designed to exclude veteran batsman Rohit Sharma from the national team. In an interview with Crictracker, Tiwary expressed skepticism about the timing and purpose of the test, particularly as India gears up for the 2027 World Cup. He stated, “I believe this Bronco Test... is for players like Rohit Sharma. Someone who I believe doesn’t want them to be part of the team in the future.”

“Bronco Test Brought In to Keep Rohit Sharma Out of ODI Team, Someone Doesn’t Want Him”: Manoj TiwaryManoj Tiwary claims Bronco Test used to keep Rohit Sharma out of ODIsTiwary Claims Bronco Test Targeted Rohit SharmaRohit & Kohli Eye Australia ODIs, WC 2027 DoubtsRohit’s fitness test in Bengaluru on September 13: Will have to undergo both Yo-Yo and Bronco tests; ODI series against Australia in October.Rohit Sharma to undergo fitness test; uncertainty over Virat Kohli: Report

The Bronco Test is a rigorous fitness assessment that requires players to complete a series of shuttle runs totaling 1,200 meters without stopping. Elite Indian players, such as Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, are expected to finish the test in approximately six minutes. This test adds to existing fitness benchmarks like the Yo-Yo Test and the 2-kilometer time trial, which have been used to evaluate player endurance and fitness levels.

“Bronco Test Brought In to Keep Rohit Sharma Out of ODI Team, Someone Doesn’t Want Him”: Manoj TiwaryManoj Tiwary claims Bronco Test used to keep Rohit Sharma out of ODIsTiwary Claims Bronco Test Targeted Rohit SharmaRohit & Kohli Eye Australia ODIs, WC 2027 DoubtsRohit Sharma to undergo fitness test; uncertainty over Virat Kohli: ReportRohit’s fitness test in Bengaluru on September 13: Will have to undergo both Yo-Yo and Bronco tests; ODI series against Australia in October.Rohit Sharma to undergo fitness assessment at BCCI's CoE ahead of Australia ODI series: Report

Tiwary questioned the rationale behind the test's introduction, asking, “Why now? Why not when your new head coach got the assignment from the very first series?” He drew parallels to previous instances in Indian cricket where fitness tests were allegedly used to sideline senior players, referencing the Yo-Yo Test introduced after India’s 2011 World Cup victory, which he believes was aimed at moving on from established players like Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh.

Manoj Tiwary claims Bronco Test used to keep Rohit Sharma out of ODIsTiwary Claims Bronco Test Targeted Rohit Sharma“Bronco Test Brought In to Keep Rohit Sharma Out of ODI Team, Someone Doesn’t Want Him”: Manoj TiwaryRohit & Kohli Eye Australia ODIs, WC 2027 DoubtsRohit Sharma to undergo fitness test; uncertainty over Virat Kohli: ReportRohit’s fitness test in Bengaluru on September 13: Will have to undergo both Yo-Yo and Bronco tests; ODI series against Australia in October.

Tiwary emphasized that Rohit Sharma could face challenges in securing a place in the ODI team if he does not improve his fitness standards. He remarked, “It is going to be difficult for Rohit Sharma if he doesn’t work really hard on his fitness. And I think he will be stopped at the Bronco Test.” This assertion raises questions about the future of Sharma, who, at 38, is already in the twilight of his career.

“Bronco Test Brought In to Keep Rohit Sharma Out of ODI Team, Someone Doesn’t Want Him”: Manoj TiwaryTiwary Claims Bronco Test Targeted Rohit SharmaManoj Tiwary claims Bronco Test used to keep Rohit Sharma out of ODIsRohit’s fitness test in Bengaluru on September 13: Will have to undergo both Yo-Yo and Bronco tests; ODI series against Australia in October.Rohit & Kohli Eye Australia ODIs, WC 2027 DoubtsRohit Sharma to undergo fitness test; uncertainty over Virat Kohli: ReportRohit Sharma to undergo fitness assessment at BCCI's CoE ahead of Australia ODI series: Report

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has mandated that all players undergo pre-season fitness tests, including the Bronco Test, as part of their contracts. A BCCI official stated, “These tests help the Centre of Excellence understand the areas the players have to work on or where they are lacking.” This policy aims to ensure that players maintain high fitness levels, especially in light of recent concerns about endurance during India's five-Test series in England.

Rohit & Kohli Eye Australia ODIs, WC 2027 Doubts

Tiwary's claims have sparked a debate within the cricket community, with some supporting his views while others argue that the introduction of the Bronco Test is a necessary step to enhance fitness standards among players. Former cricketer Suresh Raina has suggested that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be part of the 2027 World Cup due to their experience, indicating a divide in opinions regarding the future of these senior players.

“Bronco Test Brought In to Keep Rohit Sharma Out of ODI Team, Someone Doesn’t Want Him”: Manoj Tiwary

As Rohit Sharma prepares to undergo fitness assessments at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the outcome of these tests will be closely monitored. The upcoming ODI series against Australia will be pivotal for both Sharma and Kohli, as their performances may determine their roles in India's plans for the 2027 World Cup.

Rohit’s fitness test in Bengaluru on September 13: Will have to undergo both Yo-Yo and Bronco tests; ODI series against Australia in October.Rohit & Kohli Eye Australia ODIs, WC 2027 DoubtsRohit Sharma to undergo fitness assessment at BCCI's CoE ahead of Australia ODI series: ReportRohit Sharma to undergo fitness test; uncertainty over Virat Kohli: Report“Bronco Test Brought In to Keep Rohit Sharma Out of ODI Team, Someone Doesn’t Want Him”: Manoj TiwaryManoj Tiwary claims Bronco Test used to keep Rohit Sharma out of ODIsTiwary Claims Bronco Test Targeted Rohit Sharma