BCCI reviews fitness system after player weight concerns
Concerns Over Player Fitness Monitoring
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is undertaking a review of its player fitness monitoring system, introducing more stringent benchmarks and a standardised Bronco Test. This comes after issues were identified regarding player fitness, including pacer Harshit Rana’s weight status following his return from a tour to England.
Reports indicate that Harshit Rana was found to be four kilograms overweight after being cleared for selection for the England tour. A BCCI source noted that the Indian team management highlighted his overweight status. This situation has prompted questions about the coordination between the Indian team’s medical staff and the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru regarding player fitness assessments.
The BCCI source further stated that Rana, who was 97 kg when approved for the UK tour, has since been advised by CoE staff that his weight should not exceed 96 kg. He is currently at 94 kg and is anticipated to receive clearance in the coming week. This incident has brought to light potential inconsistencies in fitness test parameters, with suggestions that different standards may have been applied to various players.
The issues with player fitness monitoring are emerging at a time when the Indian team has experienced multiple injury setbacks involving key players such as Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Concerns have been raised about the medical teams at the CoE and with the Indian squad struggling to work in sync when evaluating player fitness.
New Fitness Benchmarks Introduced
Following the appointment of Adrian Le Roux as India’s strength and conditioning coach, the BCCI replaced the Yo-Yo Test with the Bronco Test as its primary fitness assessment. Initially, there was no fixed benchmark for this test, leading to different players being evaluated against varying standards. This is now set to change.
The BCCI has reportedly established a benchmark of 5 minutes 15 seconds to 5 minutes 20 seconds in the Bronco Test for players to be considered fit for selection. Additionally, contracted Indian cricketers will be required to complete a 2-kilometre sprint within 9 to 10 minutes. These new regulations aim to ensure consistent fitness levels across the squad and address player injuries.
Sources indicate that some regular India players were not fully informed about the new fitness regime. For example, Mohammed Siraj was reportedly surprised when asked to undergo the Bronco Test at the CoE before the team’s departure for the Sri Lanka tour. This suggests a need for clearer communication regarding the updated fitness protocols.
The BCCI medical team has introduced a new standard for the Bronco Test, requiring completion between 5.15 and 5.20 minutes. This replaces an earlier benchmark of 16.5 minutes for the same test. The CoE has also implemented a 2-kilometre running test, to be completed within 9-10 minutes.
Impact on Player Selection and Management
The scrutiny on the BCCI’s fitness system extends to the management of player injuries and recovery processes. Harshit Rana’s knee injury, sustained in a warm-up game before the T20 World Cup 2026, and his subsequent return to the Team India squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan after surgery in June, have highlighted these concerns.
Despite undergoing knee surgery, Rana was believed to be overweight after spending months on the sidelines. The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, has reportedly questioned Team India’s new physio, Kamlesh Jain, regarding the recent spate of injuries and declining fitness standards among players. It was reported that Rana was sent back to the CoE in Bengaluru from the England tour not due to an injury, but because of severe cramps and being found four kilograms overweight.
The upcoming India versus Sri Lanka series, scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle, marks an important campaign for the Indian team. The visiting side has maintained an unbeaten record in Sri Lanka for the past 18 years.
Source: m.rediff.com
