Mumbai: Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma, known for his explosive batting and steely determination, is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to return to international cricket.
Last week, the 38-year-old cleared the Yo-Yo Test with flying colours at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, proving his fitness for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.
However, the much-discussed Bronco Test, a new fitness benchmark introduced by the team’s strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, was conspicuously absent from the schedule. Now, the reason behind this omission has come to light, sparking intrigue among fans and analysts alike.
No Bronco Test Yet for Team India
According to sources, the Bronco Test, a gruelling rugby-inspired endurance assessment involving repeated shuttle runs of 20, 40, and 60 metres, has not yet been officially implemented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While Rohit, along with players like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and others, underwent the Yo-Yo Test on August 31, the Bronco Test was not conducted due to its pending integration into the BCCI’s fitness protocols. This revelation puts to rest earlier speculation that the test was deliberately skipped for Rohit, who has faced scrutiny over his fitness given his age and retirement from Test and T20I formats.
A report by The Times of India suggests that the Bronco Test could be introduced during the Asia Cup preparations in Dubai. The Indian team is set to depart for the UAE on the morning of September 4, with their first training session scheduled at the ICC Academy on September 5. “If the BCCI and the team management decide to conduct the Bronco Test, it could happen in Dubai, but nothing is confirmed yet,” a source close to the CoE told the publication. This uncertainty has added a layer of anticipation as fans await clarity on whether the new test will become a mandatory requirement for selection.
Rohit’s Road To Redemption
Rohit Sharma, who last played international cricket on March 9, 2025, leading India to victory in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, is eyeing a comeback in the ODI format. Having retired from Tests and T20Is, the veteran opener is focused on cementing his place in the ODI squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup. His successful completion of the Yo-Yo Test, a long-standing measure of endurance in Indian cricket, has quelled doubts about his physical readiness. Alongside Rohit, young stars like Shubman Gill and others also cleared the fitness assessments, setting the stage for a competitive Asia Cup campaign.
The former India captain has also expressed interest in playing for India A in a three-match ODI series against Australia A, scheduled for September 30, October 3, and 5 in Kanpur. This series could serve as a crucial stepping stone for Rohit and teammate Virat Kohli, who is also preparing for a return to international cricket during India’s upcoming ODI tour of Australia in October.
A New Fitness Frontier?
The introduction of the Bronco Test has stirred debate within cricketing circles, with some questioning its relevance for older players like Rohit. Proposed by Adrian Le Roux, the test aims to push players to their aerobic limits, complementing the Yo-Yo Test and other fitness metrics. While the BCCI has yet to confirm whether the Bronco Test will become a selection criterion, its potential inclusion signals a shift toward stricter fitness standards as India prepares for major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the 2027 World Cup.
Rohit’s focus, meanwhile, remains on proving his mettle on the field, with his fitness and form under intense scrutiny. As the cricketing world watches, the absence of the Bronco Test in Bengaluru has only heightened curiosity about how this new benchmark will shape the future of Indian cricket.