Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja and Shreyas Iyer Amongst BCCI Contracted Players To Undergo Pre-Season Fitness Tests at BCCI’s CoE
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has mandated rigorous pre-season fitness tests for all centrally contracted players at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
In a decisive move to address the escalating concerns over player fitness and a recent string of injuries, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rolled out a stringent new pre-season fitness evaluation program for its centrally contracted cricketers. The comprehensive tests, taking place at the state-of-the-art National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, mark a significant shift in the board's approach to player preparedness. A host of India's top cricketers, including high-profile names like Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shreyas Iyer, are undergoing these crucial assessments. When is India's Next Match in International Cricket? See Who Men in Blue Face After Sri Lanka.
Revamped Fitness Protocols
The existing Yo-Yo test, a long-standing benchmark, is now complemented by a combination of the demanding Bronco test and a 2-kilometre (2K) endurance run, forming a comprehensive three-part fitness battery. This strategic overhaul comes in the wake of the Indian team's injury-plagued white-ball tour of Ireland and England, which saw several key players sidelined and sparked widespread criticism regarding fitness standards.
Under the new guidelines, players must achieve specific benchmarks to be considered match-fit:
- Bronco Test: Players are required to complete the 1,200-meter high-intensity aerobic shuttle run, which involves five repetitions of 20, 40, and 60-meter sprints, within a strict timeframe of 5.15 to 5.20 minutes. This test is known for evaluating endurance, speed, and agility.
- 2K Run: Athletes must complete a 2-kilometre run within 9 to 10 minutes.
Addressing Injury Concerns and Inconsistencies
Reports indicated issues ranging from Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah sustaining injuries, to others like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya being sidelined during the recent white-ball tours of Ireland and England. Even captain Shubman Gill publicly addressed a 'squad-wide selection and combination problem' stemming from player unavailability after a deciding ODI against England. A source close to the BCCI highlighted inconsistencies in previous testing, stating, “It has now emerged that certain senior players were given much more comfortable targets to meet to clear fitness tests.” India Tour of New Zealand 2026 Sees High Ticket Sales Ahead of Historic 12-Match Series.
Adrian Le Roux, who took over as India's strength and conditioning coach in June 2025, has been instrumental in implementing these changes. His appointment and subsequent focus on the Bronco test signal a determined effort to elevate the overall physical conditioning of the national squad. The BCCI leadership, including secretary Jay Shah, has reportedly questioned Team India physio Kamlesh Jain regarding the repeated injury issues and a perceived dip in fitness levels.
These ongoing fitness evaluations at the NCA are expected to set a new, higher standard for Indian cricketers, ensuring that only those who meet the stringent physical demands are considered for national selection. The board's proactive stance aims to foster a more robust and resilient team, ready to tackle the rigours of international cricket.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2026 06:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
