'How does it matter? It's the new normal' - Former India cricketer downplays debate on Virat Kohli's fitness test in London

Published - 06 Sept 2025, 13:04 IST | Updated - 06 Sept 2025, 13:10 IST

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has opened up on the controversy surrounding Virat Kohli’s fitness test held outside India for the 2025-26 season. Recent reports suggested that Kohli’s test was conducted in London while all other cricketers underwent the same at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE).

However, Chopra downplayed the debate, stating that there is no official confirmation regarding where Kohli’s test was conducted, and even if it was held outside India, it is not something that should be made an issue over.

"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.

He further suggested that Kohli’s case could be a precedent for future instances if a player is unavailable in India, as this would enable the BCCI to conduct the test anywhere in the world without waiting for the concerned players to be available in India.

"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.

"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.

Meanwhile, India will be in action in the upcoming Asia Cup, which commences in UAE on September 9. The Suyakumar Yadav-led unit will kick off their campaign against hosts UAE on September 10.