Indian players led by Rohit Sharma openly revolt vs Gautam Gambhir's policy, clause postponed for Asia Cup 2025

Team India players, including ODI skipper Rohit Sharma, completed routine fitness assessments at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Notably, the Yo-Yo test was part of the session, but the Bronco drill was not used, and the Bronco test could make its debut during the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai.

Team India cricketers recently took part in fitness evaluations at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru following a lengthy break. The Yo-Yo test was conducted as part of the routine. Notably, India will begin their international assignments with the Asia Cup 2025, which is set to commence on September 9.

Bronco Test Clause Postponed for Asia Cup 2025

The Indian squad underwent health check-ups, agility drills, and the Yo-Yo test during their fitness camp in Bengaluru, but the Bronco assessment, recommended by new Strength & Conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, was not included.

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According to a Times of India report, the test could still be conducted once the team assembles in Dubai for the Asia Cup. The players are set to depart late on September 3, with their first training session scheduled for September 5 at the ICC Academy.

"It could happen when the squad assembles in Dubai for the Asia Cup. The team will start leaving late tonight (early morning of September 4) and have their first session at ICC Academy on September 5. So if the management and the S&C want to do a Bronco assessment, it could happen in Dubai. If at all it happens," a source told the Times of India.

BCCI Emphasizes Elite Fitness as Players Undergo Rigorous Tests Ahead of Asia Cup

The Bronco Test is not a selection parameter, but all centrally contracted and targeted players must undergo fitness checks before major assignments, especially after extended breaks.

Players who returned from the England Test series were later picked for the Asia Cup, which comes ahead of India’s home matches against the West Indies and a white-ball tour of Australia.

The Bronco Test is a grueling endurance drill involving repeated sprints of 20, 40, and 60 meters without pause. It assesses cardiovascular capacity, agility, stamina, and mental toughness.

The setup is simple, requiring just four cones, but it pushes players to their limits with continuous shuttle runs. Notably, the BCCI is emphasizing elite conditioning to ensure players can sustain high-intensity efforts, whether sprinting between wickets or chasing in the field.

During Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri’s Time... - Former India Strength & Conditioning Coach

Former India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai said that fitness benchmarks evolve depending on the leadership in charge. In a conversation with The Times of India, Desai recalled Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri’s tenure.

"During Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri’s time, they directed Shankar Basu to get fitness to a level leading into the 2019 World Cup."

"Those numbers were agreed with all the stakeholders involved, and they wanted to keep it a serious affair so that people leading into the 2019 World Cup come to a particular level, and then we play the World Cup. That was the whole vision. That's why those numbers were agreed upon and shared and it became a selection criteria."

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