BCCI Makes Team India Fitness Tests Tougher After England Tour
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Mumbai
- Aug 07, 2026
- 163
In a major overhaul of its player fitness policy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI has introduced significantly stricter physical assessment standards for members of the Indian men's cricket team. The decision comes in the wake of India's underwhelming performances during the recent tours of Ireland and England, with the board aiming to improve endurance, mobility and overall athletic performance.
The revised fitness framework makes the Bronco Test and the 2-kilometre endurance run considerably more demanding, reflecting the BCCI's renewed focus on maintaining peak physical standards across all centrally contracted cricketers.
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Bronco Test Gets Much Tougher
Under the updated guidelines, players must now finish the Bronco Test in 5 minutes 15 seconds to 5 minutes 20 seconds, compared to the previous six-minute benchmark.
The Bronco Test consists of five uninterrupted rounds, with players sprinting to and from the 20-metre, 40-metre and 60-metre markers during each set. Every round covers 240 metres, meaning players complete 1,200 metres without any rest breaks.
Reducing the target time by around 40 seconds substantially raises the level of difficulty and demands greater speed, endurance and recovery capacity.
2K Run to Follow Bronco Test Immediately
The BCCI has also changed the sequence of fitness assessments.
Earlier, the 2-kilometre run was conducted as a separate event. Under the revised system, players must begin the run immediately after completing the Bronco Test, forcing them to maintain endurance under fatigue.
Although the permitted completion time has been relaxed to 9–10 minutes, athletes will now face the challenge of completing the distance after an already exhausting sprint test.
Previously, fast bowlers had to complete the run in 8 minutes 15 seconds, while batters and other players were required to finish within 8 minutes 30 seconds.
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BCCI Reviewing Earlier Fitness Relaxations
According to sources, the board believes fitness norms were not implemented uniformly over the past year.
Some experienced players reportedly received comparatively easier targets during assessments. The report also states that, following recommendations from the team management, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) cleared Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy despite concerns over their complete fitness.
During the England tour, Harshit Rana was reportedly sent back after concerns regarding excess body weight. Team officials indicated that he weighed 97 kilograms at the time.
The CoE has now reportedly instructed him to remain below 96 kilograms. His current weight is said to be 94 kilograms, and he could be declared fully fit as early as next week.
Physio Asked to Explain Recurring Injury Issues
The BCCI has also sought an explanation from team physiotherapist Kamlesh Jain over the increasing number of injuries and repeated complaints of muscle cramps during the England tour, despite favourable playing conditions.
BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia and team management have instructed the medical staff to report any decline in a player's fitness immediately, irrespective of the individual's seniority or reputation.
Officials are also concerned that several players have shown reduced agility in the field, while senior batters have struggled to convert singles and maintain running intensity during lengthy innings.
Bumrah's Fitness Delay Raises Coordination Questions
The latest developments have also exposed communication gaps between the Centre of Excellence and the national team management.
According to the report, Jasprit Bumrah had initially been expected to regain match fitness ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka beginning August 15, but the anticipated timeline was not met.
Several centrally contracted players were reportedly informed of the revised fitness standards only after reaching the CoE. Mohammed Siraj was among those surprised when he was immediately asked to complete both the Bronco Test and the 2K endurance run before the Sri Lanka series.
The updated fitness benchmarks are now expected to apply across a wider pool of Indian cricketers, including players outside the Test squad.
Experts Warn Against Excessive Workload
India's sports science programme earned praise during the 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup, and 2025 Champions Trophy, when the emphasis remained on balancing fitness with injury prevention.
During that period, Yo-Yo Tests were generally conducted every six months or after rehabilitation from injuries.
Now, players are undergoing repeated Yo-Yo Tests, Bronco Tests and 2K endurance runs at the Centre of Excellence.
Sports performance experts caution that excessive physical testing, without sufficient recovery, may increase mental fatigue and the risk of injuries instead of improving long-term fitness.
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