Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised a strong concern over the constant changes in fitness testing schemes introduced by the Indian team management. He pointed out that whenever trainers are replaced, players are left to cope with new training methods and testing patterns. According to Ashwin, this lack of consistency can often lead to injuries.
Ashwin explained that the real problem for cricketers is not the physical workload but the frequent transition in training systems. He recalled his own struggles between 2017 and 2019 when he kept experimenting with different fitness schemes until finding one that suited his body. With India now bringing in a new test to evaluate fitness, the 38-year-old insisted that the management must ensure a smoother handover between trainers.
For the unversed, reports have emerged that head coach Gautam Gambhir and the support staff have introduced the Bronco test in addition to the Yo-Yo test and 2-kilometre time trial. Adrian le Roux, the new strength and conditioning coach who has taken charge from Soham Desai, is believed to have pushed for the change after India’s fast-bowlers were found to be short on fitness during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England earlier this year.
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Ravichandran Ashwin Calls for Continuity in Training Methods
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ravichandran Ashwin stressed that frequent changes in fitness schemes complicate the job of players.
"I have always asked the trainers. When the trainers change, the testing mechanism changes. The trainer changes, the training schemes change. When this happens, players go through a lot of difficulty. As a player, if you keep changing training schemes, it is virtually very difficult for the players. In many cases, it could also lead to injuries. I am not denying that, it has led to injuries," said Ashwin as quoted on his YouTube channel.
Recalling his own struggles, Ashwin added:
"From 2017 to 2019, I was searching for my training scheme. I have endured this. Soham Desai knows all about this."
He urged the management to ensure a smoother transition whenever a new trainer comes in.
"I just want to raise some questions. As a player, the problem is one of continuity. I would really like some continuity. It is important to give that. I would just want that whenever a new trainer comes in, he should work with the outgoing trainer for six months to one year to give the handover."
Ashwin further emphasised that India have the resources to maintain stability in its fitness structure and should avoid sudden changes that unsettle players.
"It is important to address this issue. India has all the money and the means. This continuity needs to be bridged. As a wrap-up thought, I would just say that there is no need to change something that is working. If something is working, then it needs to be discussed and then changed," Ashwin concluded.
What is Bronco Test?
Unlike the Yo-Yo test, which measures recovery ability between sprints, the Bronco test requires players to run continuous shuttles of 20m, 40m and 60m for five sets, covering a total of 1,200m. The test is designed to push an athlete’s cardiovascular limits and is being seen as a way to encourage Indian fast-bowlers to rely less on gym-based training and focus more on running workloads.
The Bronco test is already popular in rugby and football.
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