• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary came up with an interesting take on the new Bronco Test, stating that it has been introduced to keep Rohit Sharma out of the team.

The Bronco Test, introduced under the supervision of new strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, will add to the existing Yo-Yo Test and the 2 Km run that the players must meet.

ALSO READ: Roger Binny Steps Down As BCCI President

During his interaction with CricTracker, Tiwary mentioned that the timing and intent behind the fitness test raise serious questions, especially as India gears up for a transitional phase ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

"I think it will be very difficult to keep Virat Kohli out of the plans for the 2027 World Cup. But I have a doubt that they are going to look at Rohit Sharma into the scheme of things," Tiwary said. "See, I'm a very keen observer of what things are going on in Indian cricket. And I believe this Bronco Test, which was introduced a few days back, I think it is for players like Rohit Sharma. Someone who I believe doesn't want them to be part of the team in future. And that's why it has been introduced."

ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin Breaks His Silence On Sudden IPL Retirement

Notably, both Rohit and Virat have retired from the T20Is and Test cricket, and there have been speculations regarding their potential return through the ODI series against Australia. The duo has been working hard in their preparations with an eye set on the ODI World Cup 2025.

Tiwary went on to mention that Rohit will find it tough to break into the ODI team if he doesn't improve his fitness standards. The former Bengal captain also questioned the timing of this change.

"But the only question is, why now? Why not when your new head coach got the assignment from the very first series? Whose idea is it? Who introduced this? Who enforced this Bronco Test a few days back? So it is a question for which I don't have an answer, but the observation says that it is going to be difficult for Rohit Sharma if he doesn't work really hard on his fitness. And I think he will be stopped at the Bronco Test," he added.

He recalled the previous instances in Indian cricket when senior players were sidelined after setting new fitness benchmarks.

"I think it has been brought in, obviously, to set the fitness parameter at the highest level, but also, I believe it has been introduced to keep a few players out, as what happened when our Indian great legends like Gambhir, Sehwag, and Yuvraj, and others were doing really well. And after we became champions in 2011, the Yo-Yo Test came into the forefront. So a lot of things that go on behind the scenes. And this is my observation. Let's see what happens. The future will definitely give me answers," Tiwary said.