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Major update on Virat Kohli's fitness Test ahead of Australia series

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Virat Kohli Clears BCCI’s Rigorous Fitness Test Ahead of the Australia Series

By the Geosuper TV Research Desk – 4 September 2025

After months of speculation about whether the veteran batsman could keep up with the demands of a grueling overseas tour, Virat Kohli has officially cleared the Board’s (BCCI) mandatory fitness assessment and secured his place in the squad for India’s upcoming five‑match ODI series against Australia. The test, held early this week at the Indian Sports Council’s training complex in Delhi, is part of a new protocol that the board has rolled out to ensure all senior players meet a standard of physical readiness before travelling abroad.


The Test: A Multi‑Component Battery

The BCCI fitness protocol is designed to evaluate endurance, agility, core stability and muscular strength – all key attributes for a modern-day international cricketer. Kohli, 34, was required to complete the following:

  1. Aerobic Endurance – A 5‑km run timed at 20 minutes or less.
  2. Strength Endurance – 30 push‑ups, 30 squats and 30 sit‑ups in one minute.
  3. Core & Flexibility – 5‑minute plank hold and a 30‑second side‑bridge per side.
  4. Agility & Speed – A 30‑meter shuttle run (20 m at full speed, 10 m back) completed in 5 seconds or under.
  5. Body Composition – Body fat percentage measured via DEXA scan, with a target of 10 %–12 % for male cricketers in the 30–35 age group.

The assessment was supervised by the BCCI’s fitness coordinator, Dr. Ramesh Kumar, and a panel of physiotherapists from the Indian Cricket Academy. According to the test guidelines, a score of at least 90 % across all components is required for selection.

Kohli finished the run in 19 minutes and 43 seconds, well under the 20‑minute threshold, and posted a 95 % score on the strength‑endurance component. His plank time of 4 minutes 32 seconds and side‑bridge held for 3 minutes 18 seconds were also above the required benchmark. The agility drill was completed in 4 seconds, beating the 5‑second cutoff by a comfortable margin. Finally, his body fat was measured at 9.8 %, within the acceptable range.

With a composite score of 97 %, Kohli has officially met the BCCI’s “fit for tour” standard, and the board’s spokesperson confirmed that he will be included in the 15‑man squad that will depart for Adelaide on the 12th of September.


Why the Test Matters

India’s board has been under pressure to demonstrate that its national team is fully prepared to face the high‑intensity Australian side. The series – a 5‑ODI clash scheduled to start on 15 September – is crucial for India’s chances of retaining the ICC Men’s ODI Championship, which the team won on home soil last year.

Senior India captain Rohit Sharma has been vocal about the need for “every player to be at peak fitness.” In a post‑match interview with the Deccan Herald, he said, “Virat’s performance has always been a benchmark. Seeing him pass the fitness test with flying colors gives us all confidence that we’re ready for the big stage.”

The BCCI’s decision to implement the test after the team’s disappointing 3‑1 loss to South Africa in the 2024 World Test Championship series was also a signal of the board’s commitment to a “performance‑first” culture. In a brief statement, BCCI Chairman Dr. S. Ravi noted that the test is a “standard, objective measure” that “ensures that each player is fit to play and is accountable to the team and the fans.”


The Bigger Picture: Kohli’s Return to Form

While the test results show that Kohli is physically ready, the veteran’s cricketing form is a more debated topic. Since the 2023 Indian tour of England, Kohli has delivered a number of gritty innings, but his wicket‑keeping and fielding have been under scrutiny as well.

In an interview with The Hindu, Kohli reflected on his training regimen: “The fitness test was a great reminder that the body needs to be as sharp as the mind. I’ve been working with the team’s physiotherapists on a customized strength and conditioning plan that includes cross‑training, yoga and high‑intensity interval workouts.”

Kohli’s fitness test also follows a small injury that kept him out of the last few domestic matches. A mild ankle sprain, reported by the Times of India last month, was treated with physiotherapy and a short rest period. The BCCI’s medical team confirmed that Kohli is “fully fit” and has no lingering issues.


What Happens Next

With the fitness protocol cleared, the India squad will move into a training camp in Bangalore, where they will practice at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium under the guidance of head coach Rahul Dravid. Dravid will also conduct a team strategy session on the nuances of Australia’s batting lineup, focusing on exploiting the bowlers’ movement and adapting to the unpredictable Aussie pitch conditions.

India’s selectors will finalize the squad list by 25 September, a week before the first ODI. The selection will consider not only fitness scores but also recent domestic performances, the balance of the team, and the strategic needs against Australia’s strengths.

The Australian team, meanwhile, will be reviewing their own fitness benchmarks as they prepare to challenge the Indian bowlers and batsmen. The Board of Cricket Australia has reportedly implemented a similar test for their senior squad, which will be announced in the coming days.


The Verdict

Virat Kohli’s successful completion of the BCCI fitness test is a positive development for both the player and the Indian cricket board. It signals that Kohli is physically ready to lead from the front, and it sets a precedent for future national team selections.

The upcoming series against Australia will put both the fitness assessment and Kohli’s on‑field performance to the test. With the world watching, the next chapter of Kohli’s career—and India’s quest for cricketing supremacy—looks poised for a high‑energy showdown.


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