Fitness is a key selection criterion in the Indian cricket team, and the management is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Indian cricketers, especially the bowlers, maintain a high level of fitness. During the England tour, multiple Indian bowlers suffered injuries, and Mohammed Siraj was the only bowler who played all five Tests. The BCCI has thus introduced the rugby-centric Bronco fitness Test for Indian players. The Bronco Test involves multiple shuttle runs of 20 meters, 30 meters, and 60 meters. According to a report in the Indian Express, the Indian team’s strength and conditioning coach, Adrian le Roux, suggested the BCCI to introduce the Bornco Test as he wanted the Indian bowlers to do more running than gym-based workouts. Reportedly, Adrian had the backing of India head coach Gautam Gambhir. The BCCI also has a Yo-Yo Test and a 2-kilometer time trial as fitness Tests. Bronco Test ExplainedIn the Bronco Test, the players start with a 20-m shuttle run. It is followed by another 40-m run and a 60-m run. The triple run makes up for one set, and the players have to complete five sets without taking a break - a total run of 1200-m. The players have to complete the run in six minutes. In the 2-km time trial, the bowlers have to complete the circuit in eight minutes and 15 seconds. The wicketkeepers and batters, meanwhile, could take eight minutes and 30 seconds. In the Yo-Yo Test, the players run between two markers at 20 meters apart with increasing speed. The players can take a 10-second break after every 40-meter run. The minimum score to pass the Yo-Yo Test is 17.1. Why Bronco Test Was Chosen by The BCCI?A BCCI source told The Indian Express that the board wants players to have high fitness standards, adding that the fast bowlers were not running enough and spending too much time in the gym. He revealed that several Indian players have already taken the Bronco Test at the Center of Excellence. “The Bronco Test has been introduced at the Centre of Excellence. Some of India’s contracted players have travelled to Bengaluru and have taken the test. The Bronco Test is being used to ensure there are clear fitness standards. Also, it was noticed that Indian cricketers, more so the fast bowlers, were not running enough and spending too much time in the gym. Players have been told that they will have to do more running,” a source said.