Virat Kohli's fitness test in London: Is it the new normal for Indian cricketers?

India's talismanic cricketer Virat Kohli (AFP Photo)

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill recently completed the required pre-season fitness evaluation at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. But Virat Kohli, arguably the most well-known figure in Indian cricket, was not there and report emerged of him taking the fitness test in London. Kohli or the BCCI are yet to make any official statement confirming the same.

Every contracted player is required by the rules to pass the fitness test. However, it is unclear if players must be present at the CoE for it. All of them took the test in Bengaluru and perhaps Kohli was the first to do it outside. And if true, it might be a game-changer, according to former India opener Aakash Chopra.

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“At this point, it’s just hearsay. No one has confirmed or clarified whether Virat Kohli underwent his fitness test in London, while others did it in Bengaluru. Of course, he wasn’t in Bengaluru, but we haven’t seen any evidence of whether he’s undergone the fitness test in London,” Aakash told in a video shared on CREX - Cricket Exchange YouTube channel.

According to Aakash, Kohli's move might mean that players would no longer need to go to the BCCI or the CoE and could take fitness tests from anywhere in the world. Indian cricketers under central contract may find the transition easier.

“But even if he’s done so, how does it matter? Honestly, it just sets the precedent. Going forward, anyone can undergo a fitness test at any location. If it happens once, then you draw a line in the sand and say it’s the new rule. It won’t be necessary for everyone to go to Bengaluru. If it’s true, then it’s a new normal,” he added.