Ravichandran Ashwin raised concerns after reports surfaced that the Indian team management has introduced the Bronco test.
Ravichandran Ashwin Raises Concerns Over Changing Fitness Tests
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has issued a caution to head coach Gautam Gambhir and the support staff following the introduction of the Bronco test, alongside the existing Yo-Yo test and 2-kilometre time trial, to assess player fitness. Strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux, who replaced Soham Desai, has implemented the Bronco test to evaluate aerobic endurance and push players’ cardiovascular limits, after identifying sub-par fitness levels among some fast bowlers during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England.
Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted the challenges players face when training methods change with new staff. “When the trainers change, the testing mechanism changes. The trainer changes, the training schemes change. When this happens, players go through a lot of difficulty. As a player, if you keep changing training schemes, it is virtually very difficult for the players. In many cases, it could also lead to injuries. I am not denying that, it has led to injuries,” he said.
Reflecting on his own experience, Ashwin added, “From 2017 to 2019, I was searching for my training scheme. I have endured this. Soham Desai knows all about this.” Only Mohammed Siraj managed to play all five matches in the five-match series against England, underlining the importance of consistent fitness management.
What is the Bronco Test?
The Bronco test, widely used in rugby and football, measures a player’s aerobic endurance and recovery ability. It involves completing five sets of shuttle runs—20m, 40m, and 60m—without stopping, totaling 1,200m. Players’ times are recorded, with faster times indicating better fitness.
Commenting on the test’s introduction, Ravichandran Ashwin emphasized the importance of continuity and giving players time to adapt. “I just want to raise some questions. As a player, the problem is one of continuity. I would really like some continuity. It is important to give that. I would just want that whenever a new trainer comes in, he should work with the outgoing trainer for six months to one year to give the handover,” Ashwin said.
