What is BCCI Bronco test? How is it different from the Yo-Yo test?

New BCCI Bronco Test: Recently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly introduced a new rugby-inspired fitness test called the ‘Bronco Test’ for Team India players. The new test, which has been implemented alongside the Yo-Yo test, is an attempt to take the fitness of players to the next level.

Former player Manoj Tiwary has called it a deliberate attempt to keep players like Rohit Sharma out of the team, while South African legend AB de Villiers has called it one of the “worst” (tests).

Although rugby is a much more strenuous sport than cricket, the amount of cricket being played in India these days requires players to have more endurance than they did a decade ago. That’s why the Bronco Test was introduced. In this blog, we will know what this Bronco Test is, why it has been introduced, and how it is different from the Yo-Yo test.

What is Bronco Test

The Bronco test is a fitness test specifically designed to test the aerobic capacity, speed endurance and mental strength of players. This test is originally derived from the game of rugby and has now been made mandatory for Indian cricketers.

In this test, players have to run continuously without stopping. It is based on a shuttle run, in which the player has to cover different distances:

• First the player runs 20 meters and comes back.
• After this he runs 40 meters and comes back.
• Finally he runs 60 meters and comes back.

These three distances (20, 40, and 60 meters) together form a set. A player has to complete five such sets continuously, covering a total distance of 1200 meters. Players have to complete this entire distance within 6 minutes.

Why was the Bronco test introduced?

The BCCI has decided to implement this new fitness test to further improve the fitness of the players, especially for fast bowlers. After repeated injuries to Indian fast bowlers on the England tour, the board felt that there was a need to increase the endurance of the players.

The main objective of the Bronco test is to ensure that the players are not only agile and agile, but can also maintain their energy on the field for a long time. This test also tests their mental strength, as running a distance of 1200 meters in 6 minutes without stopping is a big challenge.

Difference between Bronco and Yo-Yo test?

While Yo-Yo test is also an important fitness standard, Bronco test is quite different from it. Let's understand the key differences between the two:

1. Recovery time:

• Yo-Yo Test: In Yo-Yo test, the player gets a break of 10 seconds after every 40 meters of running. This test focuses on internal recovery and focus.
• Bronco Test: In Bronco test, the player gets no recovery time. This is a non-stop test in which the player has to run 1200 meters continuously without stopping.

2. Objective:

• Yo-Yo Test: This test mainly measures the agility, speed and cardiovascular fitness of the players.
• Bronco Test: This test focuses more on sustained aerobic endurance, i.e. the ability to run continuously and mental toughness.

3. Format:

• Yo-Yo Test: In this, players run between cones placed at a distance of 20 meters each, and the level increases each time.
• Bronco Test: In this, distances of 20, 40 and 60 meters have to be covered in a single set, and this process is repeated five times.

Is the Bronco Test tougher than the Yo-Yo?

According to experts and players, the Bronco Test is much more challenging than the Yo-Yo Test. Running 1200 meters without any break is exhausting for the players both physically and mentally. Passing this test requires not only good fitness but also extraordinary stamina and strong willpower.

Former cricketers and coaches have also given their opinion on this test. Some have praised it, while some have described it as very difficult. But, one thing is clear that BCCI no longer wants to compromise on the fitness of the players.

With the implementation of this new test, it can be expected that the players of the Indian cricket team will emerge even fitter and stronger, which will help them perform better at the international level.

Also Read: Will MS Dhoni become the mentor of the Indian team?

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