The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to start on September 9th, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a new fitness assessment called the Bronco Test, inspired by rugby. This test involves players running to check and keep up their fitness.

AB de Villiers, the former South African cricketer, is familiar with the Bronco Test. He shared his thoughts on the fitness test and his experiences with it. India is preparing to compete against top Asian teams in the upcoming Asia Cup and aims to be in great shape for the tournament, hoping to win the championship.

When the team first told me about it, I didn’t know what it was. I asked, ‘What’s a Bronco Test?’ But after they explained it, I realized I knew it well. I’ve been doing it since I was 16. Here in South Africa, we call it the sprint repeat ability test, De Villiers mentioned in a video on his YouTube channel.

He continued, It’s definitely one of the toughest tests. I remember doing it at the University of Pretoria and SuperSport Park on cold winter mornings in South Africa. The altitude here is about 1,500 meters above sea level, so there’s not much oxygen, and your lungs really burn.

Like AB de Villiers, former Indian player Ravichandran Ashwin also shared his opinion on the Bronco Test. He criticized the BCCI for introducing it and said there was nothing wrong with the current system.

I want to ask a few questions. As a player, one issue is consistency. I would really like some consistency. It’s important to provide that. When a new trainer comes in, they should work with the previous trainer for six months to a year for a smooth handover. There’s no need to change something that’s working well. If something works, it should be discussed before making any changes, Ashwin stated on his channel.

Ashwin makes a valid point about the importance of continuity when it involves something as crucial as player fitness. Abrupt changes in training methods can disrupt a player’s rhythm and may not be as effective as a system that has been working well. The handover period that Ashwin suggests would allow new trainers to understand the existing system, learn what works for the players, and then suggest adjustments.

The Bronco Test, while popular in rugby, might not suit every cricket player. Cricket demands its own kind of fitness, including endurance for long innings, explosive power for fast bowling, and agility for fielding. It’s important these fitness tests are designed specifically for the requirements of cricket.

De Villiers’ experience highlights how intense the Bronco Test can be, particularly in places with high altitudes and cold weather. The test pushes athletes to their limits, testing their speed, agility, and mental toughness.

As India prepares for the Asia Cup 2025, keeping players in peak physical condition is crucial. The team will have to strike a balance between introducing new fitness methods and sticking with what has worked in the past. Open communication between players, trainers, and the BCCI can ensure that any changes benefit the team as a whole and help them succeed in the tournament.