An unusual move by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sparked debate where the board permitted experienced batter Virat Kohli to take his mandatory fitness test in London, while the remainder of the Indian team reported to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
Virat Kohli Takes Fitness Test In London
As per a report in Dainik Jagran, while the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Siraj had their fitness tests done at the CoE on August 29, Kohli, who is in England with his family, was allowed to take his test abroad under the observation of BCCI-authorised staff. This has left a few people intrigued, since the fitness tests are normally done under standardized conditions at approved national centres.
Kohli, who has retired from T20Is and Tests but not from ODIs, will be available for selection again for the ODIs and he is likely to play the series against Australia in the latter half of this year. The BCCI medical and conditioning staff have provided fitness reports for every player, including one for Kohli, following his evaluation in London.
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Why Was Kohli’s Fitness Test Conducted Abroad?
Although there has been no official announcement confirming the deviation from procedure, a top BCCI source allegedly confirmed that Kohli must have taken prior sanction for the foreign test. The news has, however, raised internal discussions about whether this type of flexibility is something to be made a regular practice, particularly for players abroad on personal or professional reasons.
The first set of testing was on strength baselines and recovery measures. Apart from the senior players, future stars such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, and Rinku Singh also participated in the tests. Partial testing was carried out with some players due to workload or fitness program considerations.
Special Treatment Given To Kohli?
The report of Kohli taking fitness Test in London didn’t go well with the fans and many questioned this move. The users questioned the special treatment Kohli is receiving and the internet is now filled with mix opinions.
In a rare move, BCCI conducted Virat Kohli's fitness test in LONDON 🤯
— the whites. (@thewhi8s) September 3, 2025
~ Perhaps first-time in Indian Cricket History that a player got such luxurious treatment. pic.twitter.com/7BxtpbzYxV
WHY WHY WHY such preferential treatment – extremely unfair extremely demanding. Why is #BCCI giving into all tantrums …Time to nid him farewell. Thank u @imVkohli
— Vidhya Chandrasekharan (@VidhyaChandras5) September 3, 2025
for all the good you've gvn us #UNACCEPTABLE #UNFAIR @IndianCricketTmhttps://t.co/ilsa1Gz5nh
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Next Round Of Fitness Test
A second round of fitness testing is planned in September, for players who are rehabbing or coming back from injury. KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, and Nitish Reddy fall in that category.
