Ajit Agarkar issues official statement on Virat Kohli receiving special treatment for fitness test in London

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has opened up about the speculation surrounding ace batter Virat Kohli undergoing a fitness test in London ahead of the Australia tour. Agarkar stated that Kohli and other players had met the prescribed fitness standards to be available for selection for the upcoming series.

Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to make their international return after being included in the squad for the three-match ODI series in Australia. The series could be crucial in determining their long-term roles in the team and their prospects of continuing until the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Virat Kohli Given Special Treatment by BCCI to Undergo Fitness Test in London

Earlier this year, the BCCI made it mandatory for all centrally contracted cricketers to undergo fitness tests at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj were spotted taking part in the tests; however, Virat Kohli was absent from the camp.

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Days later, a Dainik Jagran report claimed that Kohli had received permission from the BCCI to complete his fitness assessment in London, with the results subsequently shared with the CoE. The report sparked debate on social media, with many questioning whether he was given special treatment.

The issue resurfaced during the press conference following India’s squad announcement, where chief selector Ajit Agarkar was asked about Kohli’s fitness test and the controversy surrounding it.

I Haven't Heard Anything Other Than That - Ajit Agarkar

During the squad announcement, Ajit Agarkar said that all selected players had met the fitness requirements. Agarkar emphasized that every player, including Virat Kohli, had completed the necessary assessments and was fully fit for selection.

"I think they've both done their fitness tests or the fitness norms that have been suggested. Again, I wish Adrian were here or somebody from the team were there. As far as I know or the selectors know, they've gone through the required norms that have been put in place," Agarkar told reporters.

"So, I haven't heard anything other than that. Generally, before selection, we provide the COE with names, who then inform us about the fitness status of all the players. And everyone who's been picked has been declared fit and available," he added.

We Need Them to Score Runs - Ajit Agarkar on Virat Kohli

The selection committee named Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, who will now focus solely on contributing with the bat. Ajit Agarkar stated that the main priority for both Rohit and Virat Kohli is to continue scoring runs in the ODI format.

Agarkar also expressed hope that both players would take part in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay match-fit, as they are currently active only in ODIs in international cricket.

“What they’ve been doing for years, try and score runs. I don’t think that changes. You’re still playing for your country. They are still leaders in that dressing room, but eventually it’s the runs and they’ve scored tons of them, both of them, and been extremely successful in this format,” said Agarkar.

“So we hope they keep doing it, and you don’t have to think too far at this point. The team is picked for Australia, and we need them to score runs like they have throughout their career. Those are two really experienced guys who’ve been around for a long time,” he added.

Also read: India T20I squad for Australia tour announced; Suryakumar Yadav to lead, Hardik Pandya OUT