Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of India’s selection committee, has addressed the growing speculation about Virat Kohli’s fitness test reportedly conducted in London. Speaking at a press conference following the announcement of India’s ODI squad against Australia, Agarkar confirmed that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have successfully completed the fitness requirements set by the BCCI.
The veteran duo, who are returning to international cricket for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, have faced questions regarding their future with Team India and their readiness for the 2027 World Cup. Amid this, reports surfaced that Kohli had not participated in the mandatory fitness assessments at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru earlier this year.
Several BCCI-contracted players, including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, were seen completing their Yo-Yo tests at the CoE. Kohli’s absence sparked rumors, particularly after a media report claimed he had undergone his test in London with official clearance from the BCCI.
During the press conference, Agarkar addressed the issue directly, stating:
“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 all the required processes that have been put in place,” Agarkar told reporters.
He added that before any team selection, the committee receives the players’ fitness reports from the CoE. “Everyone who’s been picked has been declared fit and available,” he clarified.
In a surprising development, the selection committee announced Shubman Gill as India’s new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. Rohit will now play purely as a batter, and his form will be under close watch as India builds toward future tournaments.
Agarkar emphasized that both senior players remain vital to India’s ODI setup, saying,
“What they’ve been doing for years—scoring runs—doesn’t change. They’re still leaders in the dressing room, but ultimately, it’s the runs that matter.”
He also suggested that both veterans could participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year to maintain match fitness and rhythm.
The two icons, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, last represented India during the Champions Trophy earlier this year. After retiring from T20Is following India’s World Cup victory last year and stepping away from Tests ahead of the England tour, the ODI format now remains their primary focus.
As Team India prepares for the Australia ODI series, all eyes will be on the duo to deliver with the bat and lead by example, continuing their legacy as two of the most prolific run-getters in modern cricket.
