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"Everyone Is Different": Gavaskar Opposes Bronco Test As Selection Criteria

Soumyajit Dutta

Sunil Gavaskar criticises Bronco test [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Sunil Gavaskar criticises Bronco test [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI to reconsider using the demanding Bronco fitness test as a definitive benchmark for national team selection. The former Indian captain emphasised that physiological differences among players and the unique requirements of specific roles make a uniform fitness standard impractical. 

While the new test, similar to the YoYo but without recovery intervals, has not yet been implemented, Gavaskar cautioned against overly rigid parameters that could overlook a player’s skill and mental readiness.

Gavaskar Calls for Role-Specific Fitness Parameters

In his column for Sportstar, Sunil Gavaskar elaborated on the need to tailor fitness expectations to the demands of a player’s position, rather than enforcing a single standard across the squad.

"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 for Sportstar.

"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," Gavaskar added.

Prioritise Mental Strength Above Physical Metrics

Beyond physical readiness, Gavaskar stressed that the intangible qualities of mental fortitude and national pride are the true markers of a player’s worth and cannot be measured by any fitness drill.

"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," Gavaskar stated.

While Gavaskar's words cannot be completely ousted, the results of Indian players from the Bronco test came out to be impressive, as per reports. After taking the Bronco test at Bangalore, the Indian team is currently in Dubai, preparing for their tournament opener against the UAE on September 10.