Kohli Only Indian Cricketer to Test Abroad
In a rare development, Virat Kohli was the only Indian cricketer allowed to take his mandatory fitness test in London, while the rest of the national squad underwent evaluation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
The decision, first reported by Dainik Jagran, has sparked questions about the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) uniformity in enforcing its fitness protocols. Top players including Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Siraj completed their tests at the Bengaluru facility on August 29.
Kohli, who is currently in England with his family, was granted permission to complete his assessment abroad under the supervision of fitness specialists. The move, seen as an exception, has raised eyebrows within cricketing circles.
BCCI Silent on Deviation from Norms
While the BCCI has not officially addressed the deviation, a senior official reportedly confirmed that Kohli “must have taken prior approval” before conducting the test overseas.
The assessment was part of the first phase of fitness testing ahead of India’s packed international calendar later this year. Reports indicate that Kohli’s London-based results were included in the comprehensive fitness files submitted to the board by its team of physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches.
This development has sparked quiet debate within Indian cricket: should the board allow geographic flexibility in mandatory fitness testing, or should all players adhere to the same procedure regardless of personal circumstances?
Kohli’s Role and Upcoming Assignments
Having retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, Kohli is now focusing solely on One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He is expected to feature in the squad for the Australia ODI series in October-November, which will be India’s final major outing before a busy home season.
Fitness clearances are critical for senior players, especially with injury risks and player workload management becoming pressing issues in recent years. The BCCI has emphasized that fitness tests are non-negotiable before major series and tournaments, ensuring that players are physically ready for the demands of international cricket.
First Phase of Testing Completed
The first round of testing in Bengaluru focused on baseline strength and recovery patterns. Players who underwent evaluation included:
- Rohit Sharma
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Shubman Gill
- Mohammed Shami
- Hardik Pandya
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Sanju Samson
Emerging talents like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, and Rinku Singh also completed their checks. While most players cleared the benchmarks, a few underwent partial assessments due to workload management or ongoing conditioning.
Next Phase in September
The second phase of testing is scheduled for September and will focus on players in rehab or returning from injuries. Among those expected to undergo assessments are KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, and Nitish Reddy.
These evaluations are crucial to determine their readiness for competitive cricket and ensure no last-minute withdrawals disrupt team planning.
Broader Implications for BCCI
Kohli’s London-based test, while likely a one-off, has prompted discussions about whether the BCCI should formalize flexible testing policies for players abroad. Advocates suggest this could ease logistics for cricketers with personal or professional commitments overseas. Critics argue that such flexibility undermines consistency and fairness, especially when younger players are expected to strictly follow protocols.
With fitness increasingly linked to player availability and performance, the board faces a delicate balancing act. It must enforce strict standards while considering individual circumstances for senior athletes.