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Not In India; Virat Kohli Picks 'Second Home' For Fitness Test After BCCI's Approval: Report

Rajgeeta Yadav

Virat Kohli gives fitness test in London [Source: AFP]Virat Kohli gives fitness test in London [Source: AFP]

Former India captain Virat Kohli has created a buzz after reportedly taking his mandatory fitness test in London instead of India. This makes him the only current Indian player to undergo the evaluation outside the country. Normally, all players are required to complete these tests at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

On August 29, big names such as Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj appeared at the Bengaluru centre to complete their fitness checks. These assessments are carried out by BCCI’s physiotherapists and strength coaches to ensure that players are in peak condition ahead of a packed international calendar later this year. 

Virat Kohli Takes Fitness Test In London

Kohli, however, was in England with his family and was permitted by the board to take the test there under official supervision.

While the BCCI has not directly explained why this exception was made, Dainik Jagran reports suggest that Kohli took prior approval before going ahead with the overseas assessment. Still, this has triggered quiet discussions within cricket circles. 

Some believe it sets a precedent, if one player is allowed to take the test abroad, others with injuries or personal commitments outside India might also seek the same relaxation in the future.

Kohli has already retired from Test cricket and T20 internationals, and now focuses only on One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He is expected to return to action in October when India tours Australia for a bilateral ODI series. His long-term plan is believed to be playing the 2027 ODI World Cup before stepping away from international cricket.

Meanwhile, several other players, including Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Akash Deep, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, are scheduled for their fitness tests in September. Those who missed the August round due to injury or illness will also be tested at that time.