Bengaluru/London (2025): Team India stars, including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, recently gathered at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for their mandatory Yo-Yo fitness tests ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9. But the absence of Virat Kohli, who underwent his fitness test separately in London, has now triggered heated discussions among cricket fans.

Kohli’s Fitness Test Controversy

Most Indian cricketers, including Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Shami, and others, appeared at the NCA and successfully cleared their tests. Injured stars like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to undergo their tests in the second phase.

However, Virat Kohli, who has been in London with his family, did not travel to Bengaluru. Instead, the BCCI conducted its test privately in London. Fans on social media have criticised this move, calling it an “extra privilege” for the star batter. Many questioned why all other players had to report to India while Kohli was given a special exemption.

Kohli, who has already retired from Test and T20 formats, now focuses solely on ODI cricket. Critics argue that the BCCI should treat every player equally, regardless of seniority or star power.

Khaleel Ahmed’s Heartfelt Words for Rohit Sharma

Amidst the Kohli controversy, CSK fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed shared an emotional memory about ODI skipper Rohit Sharma. He recalled how Rohit gave him confidence during the 2018-19 Asia Cup, where Khaleel began his journey under Rohit’s captaincy. “Rohit bhai always backed me. Even though I was younger, he told me I had something special. That gave me belief,” Khaleel said.

He also narrated a touching moment from 2019 in Rajkot after a poor performance against Bangladesh: “The team had left the stadium, but Rohit stayed back to talk to me. He told me, ‘All the cheers you hear for me, one day they should be for you too. Stay positive and trust your abilities.’”

Khaleel admitted that injuries derailed his international career but expressed hope that Rohit continues playing for at least 10 more years, calling him the backbone of Indian cricket.

Looking Ahead

With the Asia Cup around the corner, all eyes will be on how the Indian team shapes up. While Kohli’s London test has sparked controversy, his ODI experience will be crucial. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma’s leadership continues to inspire not just teammates but also young cricketers who see him as a mentor figure.