'One-size-fits-all' won't work: Sunil Gavaskar questions Bronco test as India selection tool

NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) against using the new Bronco fitness test as a criterion for national selection, stressing that players’ bodies differ and require role-specific considerations.The Bronco test, which is similar to the YoYo test but more demanding due to the lack of recovery intervals, has not yet been implemented. Recent fitness evaluations for men’s cricketers ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup still relied on the YoYo test, though the Bronco test is expected to be gradually introduced.

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"While it is fine to have these tests to get a general idea of where a player needs to strengthen their body, having them decide selection to the national team is a tad too much.

Every person's body is different, so having one standard for everybody in the squad is well-nigh impossible. There has to be consideration given to the player's speciality and allowances made for that," Gavaskar wrote in his Sportstar column.He highlighted the differing fitness requirements across player roles. "For example, a wicketkeeper, who is constantly on the move the whole day, requires a different fitness level than the others.

The fast bowlers will be different from the spinners, though the spinners will invariably bowl as many, if not more, overs in the day than them. The batters will need a different kind of fitness. As you can see, there is no such thing as a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. As long as this is taken into account and the strict parameters of the new test are not followed rigidly, then it is fine," he said.Gavaskar also stressed that mental commitment and passion for Indian cricket should take precedence over physical fitness tests."The most important test for playing at the highest level for your country cannot be measured, as it's between the two ears. And the clincher for me is when the heart is opened, it should have only two words, 'Indian cricket', and nothing else," he stated.