When asked about reports of Virat Kohli completing his mandatory fitness test in London, BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar addressed the matter directly, confirming that Kohli has met all required fitness norms.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Return to India’s ODI Squad Amid Fitness Clarifications
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will make their international comeback as both have been named in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. With questions lingering over their longevity and readiness for the 2027 World Cup, both batters face the task of proving they still have the form and fitness to compete at the highest level.
The squad announcement also cleared up the controversy surrounding Kohli’s fitness test. Earlier this year, all centrally-contracted BCCI players underwent mandatory fitness assessments, including Yo-Yo tests, at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. While players like Rohit, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj were seen completing the tests, Kohli was reportedly absent, sparking social media debates and accusations of preferential treatment.
A Dainik Jagran report later claimed that Kohli completed his fitness test in London with BCCI approval and that the results were sent to the CoE. Addressing the matter during a press conference, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar confirmed, “I think they’ve both done their fitness tests or the fitness norms that have been suggested. As far as I know or the selectors know, they’ve gone through the required norms that have been put in place.”
Ajit Agarkar added, “Before selection, we provide the CoE with names, who then inform us about the fitness status of all players. Everyone who’s been picked has been declared fit and available.”
Rohit removed as ODI captain
In a major shake-up on Saturday, the selection committee replaced Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain. Rohit will now represent India solely as a batter, with his performance at the crease determining his continued place in the XI. Ajit Agarkar emphasized that the key expectation is for both Rohit and Virat Kohli to continue scoring runs in the ODI format and participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year.
“What they’ve been doing for years, try and score runs. I don’t think that changes. You’re still playing for your country. They are still leaders in that dressing room, but eventually it’s the runs, and they’ve scored tons of them, both of them, and been extremely successful in this format,”Ajit Agarkar said.
Ajit Agarkar added, “We hope they keep doing it, and you don’t have to think too far at this point. The team is picked for Australia, and we need them to score runs like they have throughout their career. Those are two really experienced guys who’ve been around for a long time.” Both Rohit and Virat last represented India in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, having retired from T20Is after last year’s World Cup victory and concluded their Test careers just ahead of the England tour squad announcement.