In his second stint with the Men in Blue, Adrian Le Roux, the strength and conditioning coach for Team India, discussed the recently implemented Bronco Test, which is used to evaluate a player's level of fitness.
The initial purpose of the Bronco Test was to increase the aerobic and cardiovascular capability of rugby players.
With four markers at 0 m, 20 m, 40 m, and 60 m, the runner runs 240 m in one set, going from 0 m to 60 m, then back to 0 m, 40 m, back to 0 m, 20 m, and lastly back to 0 m. This extremely demanding test is completed in five sets, or 1,200 meters, without a rest. Indian players have been asked to complete it in under six minutes Wisden reported.
"The run we did today is the Bronco run. It is not a new run or a measurement. It has been around for years in different sporting codes. It is something we introduced in the team's environment. It is two-fold in use: we can use it as a training mechanism, and secondly, as a measurement. We get a good idea of where the players are in terms of their aerobic fitness and if we are moving in the right direction,” Roux said in a video by BCCI.
"It is a field test. We can do it at any place, any ground around the world. As we travel, we can always use it. It allows players to assess themselves at times. So, it is a very functional test that you can do anywhere," he added.
Additionally, Roux stated that the quantity of cricket played by players has changed significantly over the past 20 years or so, and his objective is to improve a player's conditioning so they can demonstrate their abilities effectively.
Regarding his strength and conditioning goals, he stated that there are no significant differences, having already worked with Team India in the early 2000s. The "exciting" journey to England, where a revamped India led by Shubman Gill put up a strong fight to tie the series 2-2, was Roux's first assignment of the second spell.
"Cricket is a game of skill, and we complement that skill with what we do; we try and help players prolong their careers. If you are physically prepared, you can play more seasons. If you look after yourself, a lot of things that we implement minimize the risk of an injury.
To see the work ethic of players truly impressed me. The fight we showed, I was honored to be proud of it. I have worked with IPL for many players and have worked with most of the players. Though it is a new team, there is some history here," he said.
Here is the video:
(ANI inputs)
