Virat Kohli undergoing fitness test in London ‘new normal’ for BCCI & Indian cricketers?

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma recently underwent the mandatory pre-season fitness assessment at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. However, the biggest name in Indian cricket, Virat Kohli, wasn’t present. Having shifted his base, it was reported that Kohli underwent the fitness test in London.

Neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nor Kohli has confirmed the matter. According to guidelines, every contracted player must clear the fitness test. But it’s uncertain as to whether players have to be present at the CoE for it. So far, every individual has done so in Bengaluru.

Kohli’s fitness test to change Indian cricket?

Kohli might be the first. And if true, according to former India opener Aakash Chopra, it could be a game-changer.

“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 CREX.

Kohli’s simple act of undergoing the fitness test in London could change the landscape. We know the former India captain has pushed the boundaries before. Whether it be making the ‘yo-yo’ test compulsory for selection or starting a fast-bowling revolution, Kohli has been there when the first domino fell.

Aakash thinks that Kohli’s decision could mean that going forward, players would be allowed to undergo fitness tests from anywhere in the world and wouldn’t have to report to the CoE or to BCCI. The move could make life easier for centrally contracted Indian cricketers.

“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.