Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has alleged that the new Bronco Test in Indian cricket was introduced to keep Rohit Sharma out of the team. The Bronco Test, implemented under the supervision of strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, now joins the Yo-Yo and 2-kilometre time trial as official fitness benchmarks.
Speaking to Crictracker, Tiwary questioned the intent and timing of the test as India enters a transitional phase before the 2027 World Cup.
“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 the players like Rohit Sharma. Someone who I believe doesn’t want them to be part of the team in future. And that’s why it has been introduced.”
Tiwary Questions Timing of Bronco Test
Tiwary believes Rohit Sharma will find it tough to retain his ODI spot without improving his fitness levels. He also raised doubts about why the change was enforced now.
“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.
Tiwary drew parallels with the introduction of the Yo-Yo Test after India’s 2011 World Cup win, which sidelined several 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 like 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 behind the scene. 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 is a high-intensity endurance fitness test widely used in rugby and football. Unlike the Yo-Yo Test, it offers no recovery breaks between sprints. Instead, players must complete continuous shuttle runs of 20m, 40m, and 60m, repeated five times, covering a total distance of 1,200 metres. Top-level players are expected to finish within six minutes.
Why the Change?
Reports suggest the Bronco Test was introduced after India’s recent five-Test tour of England raised concerns about endurance levels. Only Mohammed Siraj managed to play all five matches, while other fast bowlers struggled with fitness.
The decision has already sparked debate, with Manoj Tiwary’s explosive claim putting the spotlight on whether the test genuinely aims at improving fitness or indirectly phasing out senior players like Rohit Sharma.
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