Cricketer-turned-expert Manoj Tiwary has made an explosive statement claiming that the new Bronco Test has been incorporated in Indian Cricket to keep ODI skipper Rohit Sharma out of the team. Apart from the Yo-Yo Test, the Gautam Gambhir & coaching staff, under the supervision of strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, have added another fitness layer to the existing Yo-Yo and 2-kilometer time trial fitness parameters.
Speaking to Crictracker, the former India cricketer said that timing behind the Bronco Test raises serious questions, especially as India prepares for a transitional phase ahead of the ODI World Cup 2027, which will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, & Namibia.
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"I think it will be very difficult to keep Virat Kohli out of the plans for the 2027 World Cup. But I have a doubt that they are going to look at Rohit Sharma into the scheme of things," Tiwary said. "See, I'm a very keen observer of what things are going on in Indian cricket. And I believe this Bronco Test, which was introduced a few days back, I think it is for players like Rohit Sharma. Someone who I believe doesn't want them to be part of the team in the future. And that's why it has been introduced."
It will be tough for Rohit to break into the ODI Team if he does not maintain fitness standards: Tiwary
The expert also said that it will be extremely difficult for Rohit Sharma to be in the ODI team if he does not keep up with the fitness standards. The former Bengal leader has also questioned the timing to introduce this new fitness rule just when the Indian team is in transitioning phase.
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"But the only question is, why now? Why not when your new head coach got the assignment from the very first series? Whose idea is it? Who introduced this? Who enforced this Bronco Test a few days back? So it is a question for which I don't have an answer, but the observation says that it is going to be difficult for Rohit Sharma if he doesn't work really hard on his fitness. And I think he will be stopped at the Bronco Test," he added.
The expert also drew comparisons with previous phases in Indian Cricket when strict fitness mandates sidelined a lot of reputed & senior players.
"I think it has been brought in, obviously, to set the fitness parameter at the highest level, but also, I believe it has been introduced to keep a few players out, as what happened when our Indian great legends like Gambhir, Sehwag, and Yuvraj, and others were doing really well. And after we became champions in 2011, the Yo-Yo Test came into the forefront. So a lot of things that go on behind the scenes. And this is my observation. Let's see what happens. The future will definitely give me answers," Tiwary said.
What is the Bronco Test?
The Bronco Test will now be part of the Indian Team's fitness regime. It will consist of five continuous sets of shuttle runs from 20, 40, and 60 meters, totaling 1,200 meters without a pause. The time given for the players to complete the Test is six minutes. Some of the top cricketers have already undergone this Test at the BCCI's Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.
