Virat Kohli Left Disappointed With Varun Chakravarthy's Fitness As The Spinner Failed Test For The Second Time After India Call-Up

Virat Kohli has been left utterly disappointed in Varun Chakravarthy after the spinner has failed to pass the fitness test for the second time. Chakravarthy, who earned the tag of a mystery spinner in the IPL, has now been ruled out from the T20I series against England after missing out on the Australia tour last year as well.

After ending up as Kolkata Knight Riders’ leading wicket-taker last season, the 29-year-old was given a maiden call-up to the national side for the T20I series in Australia. However, he was ruled out due to a shoulder injury then – T Natarajan instead made his debut in Australia, and achieved instant success.

The spinner was once again selected for the T20I series against Eoin Morgan’s side – however, he has failed to clear the mandatory fitness tests set by the BCCI. He was sent to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for rehab but is reported to have not cleared the fitness tests yet.

There are no compromises: Virat Kohli

On the eve of the first T20I in Ahmedabad, Virat Kohli was crystal clear in his opinions on the Varun Chakravarthy failing the fitness tests. On asked if he was disappointed with the KKR spinner, the skipper said that the fitness standards are kept for all players in the team, and no sort of compromises can be made for anyone, notwithstanding their ability with bat or ball.

The 32-year-old reckons players need to be disciplined and clearance of a fitness test is one of the least aspects which can be expected from someone looking to play on the national side.

“Individuals have to understand the system that has been created for the Indian team. You have to operate at very high levels of fitness. You’d expect players to abide by what’s required for team India. There are no compromises,” Virat Kohli said in a virtual press conference on Thursday.

Along with Chakravarthy, all-rounder Rahul Tewatia is also reported to have failed the fitness tests. This was the maiden call-up of the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder to the national squad. Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, who has played a solitary T20I, is reported to have been called up.

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