Virat Kohli Getting Special Permission for Fitness Test in London Doesn’t Sit Well With Some Fans on Social Media

The team of BCCI-appointed physiotherapists and conditioning coaches later included Virat Kohli's fitness test results in the report to the board.

Virat Kohli Getting Special Permission for Fitness Test in London Doesn’t Sit Well With Some Fans on Social Media

Virat Kohli undertook his fitness test in London, not travelling to the BCCI CoE like the other players. (via India Today)

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli undertook his mandatory pre-season fitness test in London away from the rest of the players, leaving the 36-year-old at the center of a controversy. This has led to widespread criticism from fans, who have accused the BCCI of showing ‘preferential treatment.’

Virat Kohli moved out of India a few years ago for a private life, away from the media spotlight. The 36-year-old has already retired from two out of the three formats, and will only be playing for the Men in Blue in ODIs. Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma reside in London, along with their two children, Vamika and Akaay. He returns to India only for national team duties or during the IPL season.

Ahead of the busy cricketing season, where Kohli is expected to be a part of the India squad for the white-ball tour to Australia next month, the former captain began individual net sessions at the Lord’s, training alongside Gujarat Titans assistant coach Naeem Amin. Despite being in England, however, Kohli did not attend any of the five Tests in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, drawing criticism.

The 36-year-old faced the ire of Indian cricket fans once again, after not coming back to India for the mandatory fitness tests that the other players underwent. Several of Kohli’s teammates, including Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah completed the Bronco and Yo-Yo Tests, and the DXA scan at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on September 1.

Kohli received a special exemption as he underwent an individual fitness evaluation in London under the supervision of specialists, away from the rest of the squad. It has also been reported that Kohli sought special permission from the BCCI to take the test overseas.

This deviation from rules, allowing a player to be evaluated overseas, has sparked debate over whether similar concessions should be made for other players, especially those recovering from injuries abroad.

Nonetheless, Virat Kohli will now remain away from action after undergoing fitness checks, while the T20I squad will be traveling to the UAE for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup. There are rumors that both Rohit Sharma and Kohli may be required to play domestic cricket to secure their spots in the ODI team.

BCCI and Virat Kohli Under Fire for Allowing Ex-India Captain to Take Fitness Test in London

Virat Kohli’s decision to take the fitness test in London ahead has drawn a flak, with fans left in splits over whether it was right for him to remain away from his teammates, or not. Kohli did not travel to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for the test, staying back in London. 

Fans on Virat Kohli Test
Fans slam Virat Kohli for taking individual fitness Test in London, away from the rest of the Indian players. (via Hindustan Times)

While it has been reported that Kohli received special approval from the BCCI, doubts have emerged whether such a request had ever been granted to other players in the past. Fans were quick to point out to the BCCI’s ‘partial treatment’, while noting the importance of a player following the standard practices with the rest of the team. Some fans even labeled Kohli as an ‘English player’ in an ‘Indian jersey’.

A few others slammed the BCCI for tweaking its rules for a single player, alleging ‘favoritism’. Virat Kohli fans however, responded to the criticism by backing with the ace Indian batter’s decision. They suggested that the BCCI should be blamed for approving Kohli’s request without objection. They also pointed out the impracticality of the 36-year-old taking a 20-hour flight for a one-day test.

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Everyone want reservation and VIP culture

— Sunil Chouhan (@sunilc65) September 3, 2025

Now that the first round of fitness tests is complete ahead of the Asia Cup, the BCCI will proceed with a second round for players recovering from injuries, including Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy. This is all part of the BCCI’s intensified focus on managing player workloads.

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