The discussions around Virat Kohli's fitness assessment have become a hot topic as India begins their preparations for the long international calendar. The BCCI conducted a pre-season fitness assessment camp earlier last week at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
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While fans and experts have voiced mixed reactions over the matter, former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has now weighed in on his thoughts regarding the matter.
It doesn't matter if Virat Kohli gives his fitness test in London, says Aakash Chopra
While several Indian cricketers, including the big names like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, were present at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence for the pre-season fitness assessment last week, the absence of India's great cricketing icon, Virat, made the headlines and called for a debate.
Virat's absence raised a lot of questions and even left the fans guessing regarding his future as an Indian player. The pre-season fitness assessments organized by the BCCI are routine and mandatory for the centrally contracted players.
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However, as per the latest reports by Dainik Jagran, the great Indian batter gave his fitness test from London, where he currently resides with his family. The report led to a lot of controversy and sparked a lot of debate on social media.
Aakash Chopra, in his recent interview with CREX, opened up on the matter as he remarked that if even the Indian batter has given his Tests in London, it should not be an issue.
"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
The Indian legend has been one of the fittest players, not only in India, but in the entire cricketing world. However, there has been no official clarification over the issue from the BCCI, nor have there been any pictures of Virat going through his assessments.
Chopra also added that even if the assessment has happened, it could well be a new normal and set an example for the players in the future. He feels that this approach could well be convenient for both the board as well as the players.
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"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.
When will Virat Kohli play for India next?
Virat is expected to feature for India in their upcoming series against Australia, later in October. India will tour Australia for a white-ball tour, which will include three ODIs.
He last featured for India in the Champions Trophy earlier in March and was key to India's success in the tournament. He ended with 211 runs in five games at an average of nearly 55. His century against Pakistan was a highlight from the tournament.
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Virat last played competitive cricket for RCB, where he went on to win the title for the first time in 18 years and added probably the last jewel to his crown.
Virat has surely been India's face in the cricket world and has taken Indian cricket to several new heights. Such a celebrated career definitely deserves a lot of respect and recognition.