Virat Kohli completed his mandatory fitness test in London with the BCCI’s approval, sparking debate before the Asia Cup 2025. While the majority of India’s squad underwent testing at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Kohli was given special permission to complete his assessment overseas.
The decision, first reported by Dainik Jagran, has attracted attention because BCCI usually maintains a uniform protocol for fitness checks. On August 29, players including Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Siraj were tested in Bengaluru under the supervision of physiotherapists and strength coaches. Kohli, however, stayed in England with his family and took the test abroad under authorized monitoring.
Virat Kohli Took Prior Permission
Virat Kohli has already retired from T20Is and Tests but remains available for One-Day Internationals. He is expected to play in the upcoming ODI series in Australia scheduled for October and November. A senior BCCI official did not directly comment on the unusual arrangement but confirmed that Kohli “would have taken prior approval” to undergo his test in London.
This exception has triggered quiet discussions inside Indian cricket circles. Some believe the flexibility could open the door for similar requests by other players in the future, especially those recovering abroad or handling personal commitments outside India.
Other Players Who Completed Tests
The first phase of testing mainly measured strength, recovery, and workload capacity. Senior names such as Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Sanju Samson went through full evaluations. Emerging players including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, and Rinku Singh also underwent their checks.
While most cleared the required benchmarks, a few players only went through partial testing because of workload management or conditioning programs. The reports from Bengaluru, along with Kohli’s London assessment, were compiled and submitted to the BCCI.
Second Phase Scheduled for September
The BCCI has planned a second round of testing in September. This phase will focus on players currently in rehab or in the return-to-play stage. KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, and Nitish Reddy are expected to be evaluated in this upcoming session.
The staggered approach allows the board to balance workload while monitoring progress of players recovering from injuries. It also ensures that no player is rushed back before meeting strict fitness standards.
BCCI’s Evolving Fitness Protocols
Player workload and injuries have been a persistent challenge in recent years. BCCI has responded by adopting tougher fitness rules before major series or ICC tournaments. Mandatory clearances are now standard practice, designed to reduce last-minute withdrawals and ensure all players remain in peak condition.
Kohli’s overseas clearance, though approved, highlights a new dimension in fitness management. The decision poses a larger question: should BCCI consider institutionalizing geographic flexibility for fitness tests, or restrict such allowances to rare cases involving senior players?
Why This Matters Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
The Asia Cup marks the start of a demanding international season for India. With multiple series lined up before the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle, player fitness is under the spotlight. Kohli remains a crucial figure in India’s ODI setup, and his readiness will be vital against strong opponents like Australia and England later this year.
While his London-based fitness clearance appears a one-off, it sets a precedent that may be referenced by other cricketers. For now, BCCI has maintained silence on whether similar exceptions will be extended in the future.
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