Virat Kohli assaulted by ex-India player for VVIP fitness Tests

Former India opener Aakash Chopra opened up about the debate surrounding star batter Virat Kohli’s fitness test ahead of the 2025-26 season. Chopra added that even if Kohli completed his assessment abroad, it should not be viewed as an issue, dismissing the controversy as unnecessary speculation.

According to Dainik Jagran, Kohli underwent his mandatory BCCI pre-season fitness test in London. Meanwhile, the rest of the Indian squad, including skippers Rohit Sharma (ODI), Shubman Gill (Tests), and Suryakumar Yadav (T20Is), completed their tests at the National Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

There Is No Confirmation or Clarification - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra pointed out that there is no official confirmation that Virat Kohli completed his fitness test in London. He added that it should not be treated as an issue.

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"These are just speculations and reports at this point in time. There is no confirmation or clarification that Virat Kohli gave his fitness Test in London and others gave it in Bengaluru. Of course, he was not here, but we have not seen pictures as well of him giving it in London. But even if he has, let us assume he did, how does it matter?" he said (via CREX).

Honestly, Virat Kohli Just Set the Precedent - Aakash Chopra

Chopra said that there should be no restriction on where the fitness test takes place, as long as it meets BCCI’s standards. The former opener stated that it would help avoid scheduling conflicts and make the process smoother for both the board and the players.

"Honestly he just set the precedent that the next time if anyone is anywhere else they can give the fitness Test from there. If someone does this once then you draw a line in the sand that this is the rule. It may not be necessary in that rule for everyone to go to Bengaluru. If someone is available anywhere let them do the Test there," he added.

You and I Are Not Going to Get Bothered - Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli’s Fitness Test Debate

Aakash Chopra downplayed the buzz around Virat Kohli’s reported fitness test in London. He added that such changes should be seen as routine and not a cause for unnecessary debate.

"If there is even some truth in this, then it is a new normal. You and I are not going to get bothered or worried about it, right?" he concluded.

Virat Kohli has not featured in competitive cricket since IPL 2025. He was instrumental in guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their maiden title. Having retired from T20Is and Tests, he is set to return in October during India’s ODI tour of Australia.

Kohli’s last international appearance came in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, where he played a key role in securing the trophy. He ended the tournament with 211 runs in five matches at an average of 54.50, including a century and a half-century.

The veteran batter has represented India in 302 ODIs, amassing 14,181 runs at an average of 57.88 and a strike rate of 93.35, with 51 centuries and 74 fifties to his name.

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