• Virat Kohli completed his mandatory fitness test in London instead of Bengaluru, sparking debate over player privileges.

  • Rest of the players took the fitness test in Bengaluru on August 29.

Fans divided over Virat Kohli’s fitness test conducted in London amid protocol debate
Virat Kohli (Image Source: X)

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Virat Kohli sparked spirited reactions from cricket fans after reportedly undergoing his mandatory fitness test in London, instead of the usual venue in Bengaluru. The India star’s move drew mixed opinions on social media, highlighting the ongoing discourse around protocols and player privileges in Indian cricket ahead of a packed international season.

Virat Kohli’s fitness test conducted in London, raising eyebrows

A BCCI official told Dainik Jagran that Kohli must have obtained prior permission before taking his fitness test in London. However, the official also acknowledged that this special exemption could trigger significant controversy. The decision raises important questions about maintaining consistent team protocols and fairness in treatment for all players.

While it is understood that Kohli, who resides with his family in London, followed proper channels, the exception highlights potential challenges in balancing individual circumstances with uniform standards for the entire squad. Kohli’s test included the mandatory Yo-Yo test, which he completed in London. The report further stated that Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj cleared their fitness tests on August 29 at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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Kohli gears up for ODI series against Australia

In light of his recent retirement from T20I and Test cricket, Kohli’s sole focus now shifts to the 50-over format. His successful fitness test is a critical step in his preparation for India’s upcoming ODI series against Australia, scheduled to begin in October. This tour will serve as the first major test of the squad’s rigorous new physical benchmarks, which now include the demanding Bronco test. The team’s commitment to these high-intensity standards underscores a clear vision: to ensure that every player, including its most experienced star, is at the peak of their physical ability to compete on the world stage.

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VARUN VERMA
Varun Verma is a dedicated cricket enthusiast with a flair for storytelling and in-depth analysis. Combining a deep knowledge of the sport with a talent for engaging content creation, he brings the drama and thrill of the game to life for fans around the world. Drawing inspiration from the grit and passion of players like Ben Stokes, Varun aspires to one day experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. He can be reached at varun.verma@crickettimes.com and followed on LinkedIn and X.