Srinagar: Former India batter turned politician Manoj Tiwary has said that recently introduced Bronco Test could be a tactical move to edge ODI skipper Rohit Sharma out of the 50-over side.
The Bronco Test, a rugby-inspired fitness drill involving repeated shuttle runs of 20, 40, and 60 metres, has been added to the Indian team’s fitness protocols under strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux.
It is now in place alongside the Yo-Yo test, long regarded as the benchmark for player fitness.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, who retired from Tests and T20Is earlier this year, has made it clear that he intends to continue in ODIs with an eye on the 2027 World Cup.
However, reports indicate that the Indian team management is keen on fast-tracking Shubman Gill as a long-term captain in the format.
Speaking to a media channel, Manoj Tiwary suggested that while Virat Kohli, who has also stepped away from Tests and T20Is, is likely to remain central to ODI plans until 2027, Rohit may face a different challenge.
“I think it will be very difficult to keep Virat Kohli out of the 2027 World Cup plans. But I doubt whether Rohit Sharma will be looked at in the same way,” Tiwary remarked.
“I’m a very keen observer of what’s going on in Indian cricket. I believe this test was brought in with players like Rohit Sharma in mind,” he added.
“Someone, perhaps, doesn’t want him in the future scheme of things. That’s why it has been introduced now. Why not earlier, when the new coach started his tenure? Who brought it in, and why now?”
The former cricketer added that while the test aims to raise fitness standards, it could also act as a filter to push out senior names, drawing parallels with the Yo-Yo test, which became mandatory soon after India’s 2011 World Cup win.
Despite the speculation, Rohit’s ODI numbers remain formidable. In 273 matches, he has amassed 11,168 runs at an average of 48.76 and a strike rate of 92.80, including 32 centuries and 58 fifties.
He also holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs, which was a breathtaking knock of 264.