Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul lined up for fitness test; clarity awaited on Virat Kohli
While the Men in Blue gear up for the Asia Cup, the senior stalwarts, effectively out of the T20I scene, are bracing to kick off the ODI prep. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their T20I retirements following India's historic T20 World Cup win last year. Earlier this season, moreover, the senior duo concluded their Test careers as well. Now, ODIs remain their only playground as fans wait eagerly for the 50-over season to take over. Meanwhile, the veterans are reportedly called to undergo the Yo-Yo Test in the coming days. Along with Rohit and Kohli, KL Rahul is also likely to take the fitness test.
Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul set to undergo Yo-Yo Test at the NCA ahead of India A series against Australia
Recent reports have revealed that Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are set to undergo the Yo-Yo Test this week. While Rohit has retired from the other formats, KL Rahul failed to ace a spot in the India squad for the Asia Cup 2025. The senior batter completed an impressive run in the India vs England Test series that concluded earlier this week. However, upon his return, Rahul is looking at a fairly long break as the India cricket schedule shifts to the Asia Cup. Rahul's hiatus is also compounded by South Zone failing to name him in the squad for the Duleep Trophy.
The senior players now look at the Australia Tour as their next assignment in the India cricket schedule. However, months before the white-ball series kicks off in October, the trio has reportedly been called to appear for the Yo-Yo Test. The Yo-Yo Test is India's standard fitness test that decides the selection of players in the squad. Meanwhile, with separate reports earlier informing that the BCCI is set to introduce the Bronco Test into the regime as well, it is still unclear whether these players will undergo both fitness tests.
It was reported a few days ago that the current strength and conditioning coach of India, Adrian le Roux, wants to add the Bronco Test to the Indian setup. Meanwhile, India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, likely agrees with Roux, and the BCCI is set to add another test for the players. The Bronco Test is a high-intensity fitness and endurance assessment that requires a player to complete shuttle runs of 20, 40, and 60 meters without rest within a set time limit.
Meanwhile, the latest report has suggested that Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will undergo the fitness test between August 30-31. Both players are likely to join the India A squad for the home series against Australia A. The series kicks off on September 16 with India A and Australia A playing two unofficial Tests before a three-match ODI series starts on September 30. While Virat Kohli is also said to be required to undergo the fitness test, the dates remain unclear for Kohli's appearance as of now. The fitness test will be conducted at the NCA in Bengaluru.
Both Rohit and Kohli's last appearance on the field came in IPL 2025, where Kohli won his maiden IPL title. However, with their Test retirements coming amid the IPL season, the senior duo have been on a break ever since. Meanwhile, as reports speculate on their next course of action, the veteran duo's future remains doubtful. Sensational chatter from the BCCI corridors suggested that the board is not looking at Rohit and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. With the BCCI's plans to phase out the seniors ahead of the World Cup, it has been rumored that the upcoming Australia Tour could be their last appearance for India.
Further updates informed that the BCCI has communicated to the players that if they aim to elongate their ODI careers, both Kohli and Rohit would be required to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. While the BCCI has denied any role in dictating the terms of a player's retirement, the board's move to phase out the seniors can lead them to hang their boots in ODIs as well. However, despite the noise, Rohit and Kohli have been spotted practicing and preparing for their upcoming assignment for Team India.
