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New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwari has stirred debate with his bold observation on the recently introduced Bronco Test, suggesting that the new fitness benchmark may have been introduced to keep senior players like Rohit Sharma out of the ODI setup. The fitness drill already popular in rugby was added under the supervision of India's strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, joining the Yo-Yo Test and 2 km run as part of the selection criteria.
While speaking to Cricktracker, Tiwari questioned the timing of the decision with India preparing for a long-term roadmap that includes the 2027 ODI World Cup. According to him while Virat Kohli will remain central to India’s plans, Sharma’s place could be in jeopardy because of the new standard.
“I believe this Bronco Test, which was introduced a few days back, is meant for players like Rohit Sharma,” Tiwari said. “Someone doesn’t want him to be part of the team in the future, and this fitness test gives them the reason. It will be difficult for him to clear it if he doesn’t put in extra work on his fitness.”
Tiwari went on to express doubts about why the test was brought in now rather than when the new coaching staff took charge, "Why now? Why not from the very first series under the new head coach? Whose idea was it? There are questions I don't have answer to but it looks like this will be a stumbling block for Rohit," he added.
The 38-year-old also drew parallels with the past when fitness parameters were tightened soon after India’s 2011 World Cup win. Legends like Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh found themselves on the wrong side of evolving standards. Tiwari hinted that similar behind-the-scenes decisions could be at play again, possibly targeting senior pros nearing the twilight of their careers.
Unlike the Yo-Yo Test which measures recovery and repeated sprints recovery and repeated sprints, the Bronco Test is a pure test of endurance. It requires players to run a sequence of 20m, 40m and 60m shuttles with five sets to be completed in total. The challenge lies in finishing 1200m in six minutes as it demands supreme cardiovascular fitness and stamina.
Tiwari admitted that setting high benchmarks is important for elite teams but maintained that the timing makes it appear more like a filter than just a fitness upgrade. “Fitness levels must always improve, but when new standards are introduced abruptly, questions will naturally be asked,” he said.
With the World Cup cycle underway and India balancing experience with fresh faces, Tiwari’s remarks have sparked fresh debate on whether fitness drills are being used only to sharpen performance or to phase out stalwarts like Rohit Sharma.
