A Unique Decision by BCCI

In a surprising development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allowed Virat Kohli to undergo his mandatory fitness assessment in London, instead of joining the rest of his teammates at the Bengaluru camp. While senior stars such as Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shubman Gill reported at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for the scheduled Yo-Yo and Bronco Tests, Kohli was given a rare exception.

This arrangement marks the first instance in Indian cricket history where a player officially cleared a fitness test outside the country with the board’s sanction. The move has drawn attention not just because of its exclusivity, but also because of Kohli’s stature as one of India’s most iconic cricketers.

Kohli’s London Preparations for ODI Return

Currently training in England for his much-anticipated ODI comeback, Kohli has been spotted practising in the nets near Lord’s Cricket Ground, with pictures of his sessions already circulating widely on social media. Known for his relentless work ethic, Kohli continues to maintain peak fitness standards, and sources confirm he cleared all the required parameters with ease.

The BCCI’s flexibility in this regard underlines how crucial Kohli remains to India’s ODI squad, particularly as the team prepares for major tournaments lined up for the next year. After stepping away from Test cricket and formally retiring from the T20I format, ODIs remain his sole focus moving forward.

Bengaluru Camp: All Eyes on Asia Cup 2025

Meanwhile, the fitness camp in Bengaluru witnessed senior and young cricketers undergoing rigorous assessments. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shardul Thakur successfully cleared their tests, reassuring the management ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

The Yo-Yo and Bronco endurance tests remain critical benchmarks for India’s players, with the board ensuring uniform parameters to maintain athletic standards. The smooth results across the roster provided a boost of confidence for the selectors and coaching staff as the squad begins final preparations for another high-pressure tournament.

Kohli’s Next Challenge: Australia ODI Series

Looking beyond the Asia Cup, all eyes are now on India’s three-match ODI series against Australia in October 2025. This assignment will also mark Kohli’s much-awaited return to international cricket after his self-imposed break from multi-format action.

The fixtures are scheduled as follows:

1st ODI: 19th October – Perth Stadium, Perth

2nd ODI: 23rd October – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

3rd ODI: 25th October – Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

Fans will be eager to see how Kohli adapts in his new phase as an ODI specialist, with expectations sky-high as India looks to consolidate its preparations for the 2026 ICC Champions Trophy.

A New Chapter for a Modern Icon

Virat Kohli’s overseas clearance for fitness is more than just a procedural update—it reflects his unique position in Indian cricket. While younger talents like Gill and Jaiswal carry the promise of the future, Kohli remains the backbone of India’s ODI ambitions.

As the team heads into the Asia Cup and the Australia series, India appears well-placed with both experience and youthful energy. And with Kohli sharpening his skills abroad, fans can expect the champion batter to write another remarkable chapter in his enduring career.

Read Also: India Hockey Team Compared to “18-20 Virat Kohlis”: Coach Paddy Upton Praises Unmatched Dedication

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