BCCI breaks silence on Virat Kohli undergoing fitness test in London ahead of ODI return

Veteran batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to return to the Indian squad later this month, having been named in the ODI lineup for the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia, starting October 19. Speculation has been rife that this tour could mark their final appearances in Indian colours, with uncertainty over whether they will continue until the 2027 ODI World Cup.

BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar addressed these reports, stating that both players remain non-committal about their World Cup plans.

Agarkar was also asked about Kohli undergoing his fitness test outside India. While most Indian players, including Rohit, completed their fitness assessments at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, Kohli opted to take his test in London after receiving special permission from the Board.

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“Their fitness tests and norms have been completed as required. As far as we know, they’ve fulfilled all the necessary criteria for selection. Before announcing a squad, we check with the CoE regarding the fitness status of all players. Everyone picked has been declared fit and available," said Agarkar.

Regarding their involvement in the 2027 World Cup, Agarkar added, “That’s not something we need to discuss today. Considering the captaincy changes, that conversation will come in due course.”