Fans divided over Virat Kohli’s fitness test conducted in London amid protocol debate

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Virat Kohli sparked spirited reactions from cricket fans after reportedly undergoing his mandatory fitness test in London, instead of the usual venue in Bengaluru. The India star’s move drew mixed opinions on social media, highlighting the ongoing discourse around protocols and player privileges in Indian cricket ahead of a packed international season.

A BCCI official told Dainik Jagran that Kohli must have obtained prior permission before taking his fitness test in London. However, the official also acknowledged that this special exemption could trigger significant controversy. The decision raises important questions about maintaining consistent team protocols and fairness in treatment for all players.

While it is understood that Kohli, who resides with his family in London, followed proper channels, the exception highlights potential challenges in balancing individual circumstances with uniform standards for the entire squad. Kohli’s test included the mandatory Yo-Yo test, which he completed in London. The report further stated that Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj cleared their fitness tests on August 29 at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Virat Kohli does fitness tests in London, spends off-seasons in London, lives more there than in India… at this point he looks more like an English cricketer with an Indian jersey. 🤷‍♂️ https://t.co/vYeLUOrGnk

— Shubham (@Shubham02_03) September 3, 2025

Virat Kohli reportedly completed his fitness test in London the only player to do so outside India!

Shameful for BCCI & Indian cricket even a fitness test can’t be done in India.

It’s INDIA that made him a hero, not London. Why this special treatment abroad? #BCCI #ViratKohli

— Deepak Negi (@AdvDeepakNegi) September 3, 2025

If and big if the news about Virat Kohli fitness test in London in true. Then that’s insulting for Indian cricket. You can’t have players behaving like this whosoever you are even if you are God .Virat should be kicked out of ODI team hope Gambhir does it and also Agarkar, if…

— ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰੀਤ (@gurpreetscheema) September 3, 2025

Honestly why do they even conduct Kohli's fitness tests still😭😭…. Its just a wastage of time and money both at this point

— लविश (Lovish) (@Lovishjain2004) September 3, 2025

"Fairness in question? Virat Kohli takes his fitness test in London while other Indian players undergo tests in Bengaluru. Is this a special treatment or a one-off exception? BCCI's protocol raises eyebrows. #ViratKohli #BCCI #FitnessTest #Cricket"

— naufel muhammed (@naufelme) September 3, 2025

Virat Kohli completes his fitness assessment in England the only Indian player tested abroad so far

Bronco ✅ Yoyo ✅

— CricketPedia (@CricketPediaHQ) September 3, 2025

That's ridiculous from @BCCI. If kohli can't travel to India he should remain in London and play for England.

— Ben Stokes Fan Club (@KaFavourite) September 4, 2025

🚨 Virat Kohli passed Yo-Yo test under supervision of BCCI in London with Yo-Yo score of 21.6, it is his personal best Yo-Yo score of all time.

Virat Kohli is the example of ageing like a fine wine❤️

— @Wanisaleem (@WaNi_SaleeM18) September 4, 2025

Who are raising questions on Virat Kohli's fitness test? He himself has never had to face a fitness test. Kohli's hard work, traits and standards are his true identity. ❤@imVkohli

— Vivek Kumar Mishra🇮🇳 (@vivek23mishra) September 4, 2025

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In light of his recent retirement from T20I and Test cricket, Kohli’s sole focus now shifts to the 50-over format. His successful fitness test is a critical step in his preparation for India’s upcoming ODI series against Australia, scheduled to begin in October. This tour will serve as the first major test of the squad’s rigorous new physical benchmarks, which now include the demanding Bronco test. The team’s commitment to these high-intensity standards underscores a clear vision: to ensure that every player, including its most experienced star, is at the peak of their physical ability to compete on the world stage.

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