Former India opener Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the speculation surrounding Virat Kohli’s fitness test, stating there is no official clarification on whether the star batter completed it in London while other players reported to Bengaluru. Kohli, who has retired from T20Is and Tests, remains available for ODIs and could feature in India’s upcoming series in Australia this October.

Speaking to CREX, Chopra addressed the swirling rumours reported by Dainik Jagran, noting that a senior BCCI official confirmed Kohli would have sought prior approval to take the fitness assessment abroad.

“These are just speculations and reports at this point. There is no confirmation that Virat Kohli gave his fitness test in London while others did it in Bengaluru. Of course, he wasn’t here, but we haven’t seen any pictures of him doing it in London,” Aakash Chopra said.

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He questioned the significance of the reports, adding, “Even if he did, how does it matter?” Aakash Chopra suggested that Kohli’s situation could set a precedent for future flexibility in fitness assessments.

“Honestly, he just set the precedent that the next time, if anyone is anywhere else, they can take the fitness test from there. If someone does this once, you draw a line in the sand that this can be allowed,” he explained.

Chopra further emphasised that strict centralisation may no longer be necessary: “It may not be essential for every player to go to Bengaluru. If someone is available elsewhere, let them complete the test there. If there is some truth in this, then it could be a new normal.”

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After completing their fitness tests, the senior Indian men’s team headed to Dubai ahead of the Asia Cup. The BCCI, however, has not released any official updates on the fitness reports of Kohli or any other player, leaving fans and media to rely on speculation and expert commentary.