The Bronco Test in cricket has become the latest fitness benchmark introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2025. This high-intensity endurance test, originally used in rugby, is now set to revolutionize how Indian cricketers are assessed for fitness and selection in the national team.
Key Points
- BCCI introduced the Bronco Test as a new fitness standard alongside existing Yo-Yo and 2km tests
- Players must complete 1,200 meters of continuous shuttle runs without rest breaks
- The test involves running between markers at 20m, 40m, and 60m distances for five complete sets
- Target completion time is under 6 minutes for elite players
- Virat Kohli recently cleared both Yo-Yo and Bronco tests in London in September 2025
What is the Bronco Test in Cricket?
The Bronco Test in cricket serves as an intensive fitness assessment that evaluates a player’s stamina, pace, and heart-lung capacity. Originally developed for rugby, this fitness assessment has been adopted by the BCCI under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux.
The test involves shuttle runs between four markers placed at 0m, 20m, 40m, and 60m from a starting line. Players must complete five continuous sets of running to each marker and back, covering a total distance of 1,200 meters without any rest periods.
How Much is a Bronco Test?
The Bronco test duration requires players to complete the entire 1,200-meter circuit within 6 minutes. Each set covers 240 meters, consisting of:
- Running to the 20m marker and back (40m total)
- Running to the 40m marker and back (80m total)
- Running to the 60m marker and back (120m total)
Players must repeat this sequence five times continuously, making it one of the most demanding fitness tests in cricket.
Is the Bronco Test Hard?
Yes, the Bronco test difficulty is significantly higher than traditional cricket fitness assessments. The test is considered extremely challenging because:
- No rest breaks: Unlike the Yo-Yo test, players get zero recovery time between sets
- Continuous intensity: Maintains high cardiovascular stress throughout the entire duration
- Mental toughness: Tests psychological resilience under sustained physical pressure
- Direction changes: Requires repeated acceleration, deceleration, and turning
The test pushes athletes to their cardiovascular limits and measures their ability to sustain high-intensity effort over a prolonged period.
How Long is a Full Bronco Test?
A full Bronco test takes approximately 6 minutes to complete for elite-level players. However, the actual duration can vary based on:
- Player’s fitness level
- Running speed and efficiency
- Recovery ability between direction changes
- Overall endurance capacity
The 6-minute target represents the benchmark that top international cricketers are expected to achieve.
What is Yo-Yo Test?
The yo-yo test cricket fitness standard has been the traditional benchmark for Indian cricketers for many years. This intermittent endurance test involves:
- 20-meter shuttle runs at progressively increasing speeds
- Brief 5-10 second rest periods between runs
- Testing continues until the athlete cannot keep up with the designated running speed
- Measures intermittent recovery ability rather than continuous endurance
The Yo-Yo test has been widely used across various sports, including football and cricket, to assess players’ ability to perform repeated high-intensity efforts with short recovery periods.
Bronco Test vs Yo-Yo Test: Key Differences
The bronco test vs yo-yo test comparison reveals several crucial differences:
| Feature | Bronco Test | Yo-Yo Test |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Continuous running | Intermittent with rest |
| Distance | Fixed 1,200m | Variable distance |
| Rest | No breaks | 5-10 second rest periods |
| Measurement | Completion time | Maximum level reached |
| Intensity | Very high throughout | Gradually increasing |
| Focus | Continuous endurance | Recovery ability |
The Bronco test measures continuous aerobic endurance, while the Yo-Yo test focuses on intermittent endurance with brief recovery periods.
Virat Kohli Yo-Yo Test and Bronco Test Results
Virat Kohli fitness test results made headlines in September 2025 when he successfully cleared both the Yo-Yo and Bronco tests. However, his testing created controversy as he took the assessments in London rather than at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Key details about Kohli’s recent fitness tests:
- Yo-Yo Score: 17.2, maintaining his historically excellent fitness standard
- Bronco Test: Successfully completed under BCCI-approved supervision in London
- Special Permission: Received exemption to test abroad due to residing in London with family.
- Unique Status: First Indian player to complete mandatory fitness tests outside India
This development sparked debate among fans who questioned whether Kohli received preferential treatment, while other players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Siraj had to travel to Bengaluru for their assessments.
Conclusion
The Bronco Test in cricket represents a significant shift in how Indian cricket approaches fitness standards. With recent developments showing even star players like Virat Kohli successfully clearing both traditional and new fitness benchmarks, this demanding continuous endurance test is becoming an integral part of player evaluation. As this new fitness benchmark becomes standard practice, it will likely influence how cricketers train and maintain their cardiovascular fitness throughout their careers, ensuring they meet the physical demands of modern international cricket.
