While most players took tests in Bengaluru, Kohli did his in London with BCCI approval, raising fairness questions
As India gears up for the Asia Cup 2025, a new report has sparked controversy around Virat Kohli, who is said to be the only Indian cricketer to take his mandatory fitness test outside India — in London — with special permission from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
All other active players reported to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where the tests are being conducted as a mandatory requirement for selection.
Kohli Takes Fitness Test in London – Here’s What We Know
- Virat Kohli, currently in London with his family, requested and received special approval from the BCCI to undergo his fitness test in the UK.
- The test was reportedly conducted under approved supervision, and Kohli cleared it.
- According to Dainik Jagran, no other Indian player has been allowed to take the fitness test outside India.
Controversy Over Exemption
- The decision has triggered debate over fairness and transparency.
- Several top Indian cricketers, including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, and others, took their tests at the NCA.
- BCCI officials reportedly said that Kohli had taken formal approval, but it is unclear whether similar permissions would be granted to other players.
Players Who Took Fitness Tests at NCA
According to the report, the following players underwent (fully or partially) fitness assessments in Bengaluru:
- Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, Jitesh Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, Avesh Khan, Axar Patel, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Ravi Bishnoi, Shivam Dube, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Mukesh Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Sarfaraz Khan, Tilak Varma, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shardul Thakur
Fitness Test Parameters:
- Yo-Yo endurance test
- Basic strength and conditioning evaluation
Pending Tests in Phase 2
Players who are yet to complete their tests due to injuries or unavailability:
- Rishabh Pant
- Ravindra Jadeja
- KL Rahul
- Akash Deep
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
Asia Cup 2025 & BCCI’s Fitness Mandate
- The BCCI has tightened its stance on player fitness due to a spate of injuries in recent seasons.
- All players are now required to clear fitness tests before being considered for national selection.
- The Asia Cup 2025, to be held in the UAE, will be played in the T20 format.
- Virat Kohli, having retired from T20 internationals, is not part of the Asia Cup squad.
Virat Kohli’s fitness test in London — approved by BCCI — has sparked fresh discussions around equal treatment, player privileges, and the transparency of fitness protocols. While Kohli remains a key figure in India’s cricket setup, whether other players would be extended the same leeway remains a grey area.
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