Gavaskar asked BCCI to avoid using the Bronco test as a strict selection criterion.
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has raised his voice against the newly introduced Bronco test for Indian cricketers, saying that it shouldn’t decide national team selection.
According to reports, the BCCI has decided to bring the test into effect to enhance the fitness level of the players. The test involves multiple shuttle runs of 20 meters, 40 meters, and 60 meters. The players must complete them within a stipulated time.
Gavaskar mentioned that players’ bodies are different and there should be specific adjustments to their tests, as per their roles.
“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," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar. “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."
“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.
According to Gavaskar, the better measure of commitment than a fitness test would be the player’s mind and the love for Indian cricket in their hearts.
“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 remarked.