Former star Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns over the frequent changes in the Indian cricket team’s fitness programmes. He was referring to the Bronco Test, which has recently been introduced to them.
Speaking on his YouTube podcast ‘Ash Ki Baat’ with the team’s former strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai, Ashwin said there is a lack of continuity whenever a new trainer comes in.
“I just want to raise some questions. As a player, I would really like some continuity. It is important to give that. When a new trainer comes in, he should work with the outgoing trainer for six months to one year to give the handover,”Ashwin said.
The Bronco Test, which is commonly used in rugby, has multiple shuttle runs of 20, 40 and 60 meters. It was brought in by new strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux. The Indian team couldn’t have had a lot of time to get used it before the Asia Cup starting on September 9.
Ashwin highlighted that sudden changes in fitness routines could create problems for the players. “There is no need to change something that is working. If something is working, then it needs to be discussed and then changed,” he added.
The spinner spoke about the risk of injuries due to shifts in their routines. “When the trainers change, the testing mechanism changes. When this happens, players go through a lot of difficulty. If you keep changing training schemes, it is virtually very difficult for the players. In many cases, it could also lead to injuries.”
Ashwin revealed his personal struggle during one such phase, “From 2017 to 2019, I was searching for my training scheme. I have endured this. Soham Desai knows all about this.”
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