New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly introduced stricter fitness standards for Indian cricketers in an effort to improve player conditioning and reduce recurring injuries. According to a report by The Times of India, the board has revised the benchmark for the Bronco fitness test, making it more challenging for players seeking selection in the national team.

Under the revised guidelines, players will now be required to complete the 1,200-metre Bronco Test within 5 minutes and 15 to 20 seconds, compared to the earlier benchmark of around six minutes. The board has also introduced a 2-kilometre running test, with players expected to finish the distance within 9 to 10 minutes. These new standards are expected to become the primary benchmarks for evaluating match fitness, replacing the Yo-Yo test that had been widely used over the past several years.

The changes have reportedly been recommended by the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru after concerns over increasing injury cases and declining fitness levels among players. Officials believe that maintaining higher physical standards will help reduce injuries and improve overall athletic performance across formats.

Along with the revised fitness tests, the BCCI has also established fresh baseline parameters aimed at improving coordination between the national team's medical staff, strength and conditioning experts and the Centre of Excellence. The objective is to ensure that fitness assessments are carried out more consistently before players are cleared for international duty.

According to the report, the board has reviewed several recent injury cases and concluded that fitness standards were not always enforced uniformly. Sources indicated that in some instances, players received clearance despite not being fully match fit. These concerns have prompted the BCCI to tighten its monitoring process and adopt a stricter approach going forward.

The report also referred to fast bowler Harshit Rana and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, whose fitness clearances reportedly became a subject of internal discussion. Harshit was sent back during India's England tour after concerns over his physical condition. Team officials reportedly believed his body weight was above the desired level. The Centre of Excellence has now set a target weight of under 96 kilograms, and reports suggest he has already reduced his weight to around 94 kilograms, bringing him closer to full fitness.

The BCCI has also reportedly sought explanations from the national team's medical department following repeated injury setbacks over the past year. Concerns have been raised after several players suffered muscle strains and cramps even while playing in favourable overseas conditions.

Sources indicate that the board has asked team physiotherapist Kamlesh Jain to immediately report any decline in a player's fitness regardless of seniority or reputation. The management is believed to have observed that some senior players have experienced reduced mobility on the field and have struggled while running between the wickets during long innings.

Kamlesh Jain has been serving as India's team physiotherapist since 2022, after succeeding Nitin Patel.

Another issue highlighted in the report is the coordination between the Centre of Excellence and the Indian team management. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who was expected to recover in time for the opening Test against Sri Lanka, reportedly could not achieve the required fitness level within the projected timeline, leading to his absence from the series opener.

Some centrally contracted players were also reportedly surprised after being introduced to the revised fitness parameters shortly before the Sri Lanka tour. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, according to the report, encountered the updated Bronco and 2K running tests during his visit to the Centre of Excellence before the tour.

The board has now advised even players who are not part of the current Test squad to begin training according to the revised fitness benchmarks so that future assessments remain uniform across all formats.

While the stricter standards are intended to improve player fitness, experts have also cautioned against excessive physical workload. Reports suggest that players are now undergoing repeated Bronco, Yo-Yo and endurance tests more frequently than before. Sports science specialists believe that overtraining without adequate recovery can increase both physical fatigue and mental burnout, potentially raising the risk of injuries rather than preventing them.

During India's successful campaigns in the 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy, player workload was reportedly managed more carefully, with fitness tests generally conducted only during injury rehabilitation or at scheduled intervals.

The revised policy signals the BCCI's intention to place greater emphasis on long-term fitness management as Indian cricket prepares for a packed international calendar over the coming years.