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In a move that has stirred controversy across cricketing circles, Virat Kohli has completed his mandatory pre-season fitness test in London, rather than at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru where the rest of India’s senior squad assembled. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) granted Kohli special permission to undergo the evaluation abroad, triggering a debate over fairness, transparency, and the treatment of star players.
Key Developments and Reactions
Kohli, currently residing in London with his family, was allowed by the BCCI to complete his fitness test under official supervision in the UK.
The rest of the Indian squad, including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav, reported to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on September 1 for identical assessments.
The tests included the standard Yo-Yo endurance test and DXA scans to measure bone density and physical readiness.
Fans and former players have voiced concerns over whether similar flexibility would be extended to others, especially younger or less established cricketers.
Inside Kohli’s London Routine
Kohli has been actively training in London, hitting indoor nets and working with Gujarat Titans assistant coach Naeem Amin.
He was also seen attending a charity event hosted by Yuvraj Singh, held alongside the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, a five-Test series between India and England that ended in a 2–2 draw.
Despite being in the same city, Kohli did not attend any of the matches in person, further fueling speculation about his evolving relationship with Indian cricket.
BCCI’s Position and the Protocol Debate
According to reports, Kohli sought prior approval from the BCCI to take the test abroad, citing logistical convenience and personal commitments.
A senior BCCI official admitted uncertainty over whether similar exemptions had ever been granted to other players.
The board’s medical and conditioning staff oversaw Kohli’s test and submitted his results alongside those of the Bengaluru group.
Critics argue that the BCCI’s decision undermines the uniformity of its fitness protocols, which are designed to ensure consistency and accountability.
Implications for Team India
Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to return to international action in October during India’s white-ball tour of Australia, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is.
Both players had retired from Test cricket midway through IPL 2025 and stepped away from T20Is after India’s 2024 World Cup win.
Kohli’s fitness clearance is seen as a positive sign for India’s ODI campaign, especially with the Champions Trophy 2025 and Asia Cup looming.
The Bigger Picture: Star Culture vs System Integrity
The incident has reignited discussions about the BCCI’s handling of senior players and whether exceptions erode the credibility of its systems.
While Kohli’s stature and contributions to Indian cricket are undisputed, the optics of special treatment could impact team morale and public trust.
Some fans defended Kohli, arguing that the board approved the arrangement and that travel for a one-hour test was impractical.
Others questioned whether emerging players like Ruturaj Gaikwad or Rinku Singh would be granted similar latitude.
What Comes Next
A second phase of fitness testing is scheduled for September, targeting players in rehab or recovery, including KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant.
The BCCI is expected to review its fitness protocols and possibly clarify its stance on geographic flexibility for future assessments.
As India prepares for a packed international calendar, the board faces pressure to balance player welfare with procedural fairness.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s London-based fitness test may have been a logistical footnote, but it has snowballed into a broader debate about privilege, consistency, and the evolving dynamics within Indian cricket. As the team gears up for Australia, the spotlight remains not just on performance, but on the principles that govern the game.
Sources: India Today, MSN India, Mid-Day, Cricket Bazaar
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