Will Rohit Sharma clear new Bronco test at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence?

Indian ODI skipper Rohit Sharma is set to report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on September 13 for a crucial round of fitness assessments, according to a Times of India report.

“Yes, Rohit will be at the BCCI's CoE from September 13 for fitness tests. He will be based here for two to three days and will also practice at the facility to fine-tune his preparations for the Australia white-ball tour in November,” a source told TOI.

With the CoE’s main ground (A) hosting the Duleep Trophy final from September 11–15, Rohit is expected to undergo his tests and training sessions on a different ground within the same complex.

As part of the assessments, Rohit will not only take the familiar Yo-Yo test but also the newly introduced Bronco test. This rugby-centric endurance challenge has now been added to the BCCI’s evaluation process.

There is also speculation that Rohit, alongside Virat Kohli, could feature in the upcoming India A three-match ODI series against Australia A. Such a series would serve as ideal match practice before the senior team’s ODI series against Australia, starting October 19 in Perth.

Notably, Rohit has not played an international game since India’s Champions Trophy final defeat to New Zealand on March 9. His last competitive appearance was for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, in a clash against the Punjab Kings.

Adding to the intrigue, former India batter Manoj Tiwary recently remarked that Rohit might find it difficult to pass the Bronco test, making his return to action even more closely watched.