With just three days left for the start of the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup, the Indian cricket team has turned up the heat in Dubai — quite literally. At the ICC Academy on Saturday, skipper Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Shubman Gill, flamboyant all-rounder Hardik Pandya and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson were among those put through the taxing Bronco Test, a drill designed to push both stamina and recovery to the limit.
Pictures and videos of the Indian stars sprinting across the turf have gone viral, giving fans a glimpse of the side’s determination to begin their campaign on the front foot.
The Bronco Test Challenge
The Bronco Test, known in sporting circles for its uncompromising demands on fitness, saw players completing repeated shuttle runs in scorching UAE heat. Each dash tested not only endurance but also recovery speed, a crucial attribute for the fast-paced demands of T20 cricket.
Pandya, sporting a new blonde hairdo that has already become the talk of social media, was seen leading from the front alongside Samson and Yadav. Their efforts underlined the message from head coach Gautam Gambhir: no shortcuts in preparation.
Champions Under Pressure
India, the defending champions, enter this Asia Cup with a rich legacy — having lifted the trophy a record eight times. But with back-to-back fixtures against UAE (September 10), Pakistan (September 14) and Oman (September 19), the team knows the need to hit peak fitness from day one.
For Suryakumar, who is returning after a sports hernia surgery, Saturday’s session was more than just routine. “The way the boys are putting their bodies on the line, that’s what I want from them,” he had said earlier this week. “It’s all about enjoying the grind.”
Eyes on the Bigger Picture
While fans focus on the glamour fixtures — especially the marquee clash against Pakistan — the management’s emphasis on fitness drills like the Bronco Test highlights their preparation beyond just batting and bowling. In the UAE, where heat and humidity can sap energy within overs, endurance may prove just as vital as talent.
As India sharpen their skills and sweat it out in Dubai, the message is clear: this is a team willing to work as hard as it takes to defend their crown.
