Breaking the silence on reports regarding Varun Chakravarthy failing the YoYo Test, the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli on Thursday, asserted that there can be no compromise on the fitness standards of the team. Virat, who is known for his fitness standards, clarified that the Indian team needs to operate at the ‘very high levels of fitness and skills. Apart from Chakravarthy, Rahul Tewatia is also said to have failed the fitness test because of which the duo can be expected to miss the T20 series against England.

Addressing a press conference on match eve, Virat Kohli said, “We should operate at the very high levels of fitness and skills and that’s why this (India team) is top of the ladder when playing cricket, in our country. We would expect players to abide by what’s required to be a part of Team India. There shouldn’t be space for any compromise, in that regard.”

There have been apprehensions over the debut of Chakravarthy and Tewatia who have been included in the power-packed squad announced for the T20 series. While the Indian skipper did not comment on the future of Tewatia and Varun Chakravarthy, he also kept mum on the prospects of T Natarajan being missing the whole series. As per ANI sources, the ‘yorker king’ has sustained a knee and shoulder injury casting doubt on his return in Blue. 

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Just a day ahead of the first T20 against England, captain Virat Kohli confirmed that Shikhar Dhawan will be playing the role of the third opener while KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma will open the innings for India. Pointing out the new inclusions to the squad, Kohli said that ‘X-factors’ have been added to the lineup to see their performances in the middle order. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Kohli picked England as the ‘favorites’ to win the marquee event scheduled to be played in India. 

Virat Kohli explained, “If Rohit plays, then it’s simple. KL (Rahul) and Rohit have been performing consistently at the top of the order for us and those two will start. Shikhi (Dhawan’s nickname in the team) obviously comes in as the third opener but the starting composition, Rohit and Rahul will be the ones who will start. We have made additions to the squad who can be x-factors in the batting lineup. We want to see how they fare in the middle.”

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Speaking of the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the T20 squad, the Indian skipper showed confidence in Washington Sundar, highlighting his recent performances. He explained,  “Washi has been doing really well for us, and it is difficult to have two players similar. Unless Washi has a horrible season (not possible)…. you need to have some logic in the question as well.”

The Indian skipper also expressed delight at the return of Bhuvaneshwar Kumar to the squad after being sidelined due to injuries. All the matches of the shortest format will be contested at the renovated Motera Stadium.