'Having one standard for everybody in the squad is well-nigh impossible...': Sunil Gavaskar's stern warning for BCCI's newly introduced Bronco Test

India cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be cautious with the use of the newly introduced Bronco test for the selection criteria. The former India captain believes that the Bronco Test can't be be a selection criterion. He further explained that all the players’ bodies are different and there should be specific modifications to their tests according to their roles.

The Bronco test is similar to the YoYo, which was introduced by BCCI in Indian cricket a few years ago. However, the bronco is considered much difficult with no recovery time to test the players’ endurance. It has not been put to use yet, according to reports, the recent fitness tests for the men’s cricketers ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup were via the YoYo test, but it is likely to be slowly introduced.

ALSO READ: 'Don’t think it’s ideal..to play in Abu Dhabi and stay in Dubai...': Rashid Khan questions Asia Cup 2025 scheduling ahead of Afghanistan's opener clash vs Hong Kong

ALSO READ: 'Genuinely believe he ranks among the best in the game...': David Warner lauds India's ignored star for Asia Cup 2025

“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.

The cricketing legend further stated that for him, a better measure of commitment than a fitness test would be the player’s mind and the love for Indian cricket.

“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 said.