Indian cricket's big names Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were last seen in blue during the 2025 Champions Trophy. Since then, many changes have occurred. Both have announced their retirement from Test cricket and are now focusing solely on ODIs to play the 2027 World Cup before calling time on their decorated careers.
However, the current situation in Indian cricket isn’t favoring their quest to continue till the World Cup. The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, are reportedly considering moving ahead without the veterans for the marquee tournament.
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In response, Rohit and Kohli have given an ultimatum: they are willing to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to prove their form and fitness in a bid to secure their place in the 2027 squad.
Their next major assignment will be the Australian tour, where both are expected to retain their spots for a 3-match ODI series. However, before any selection is finalized, they must attend the mandatory Yo-Yo fitness test.
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ODI skipper Rohit Sharma has already confirmed his availability for the test. He will attend alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
In contrast, RCB star Virat Kohli has not yet confirmed his availability. The BCCI has issued a quiet but firm reminder that all centrally contracted players are required to undergo pre-season fitness tests.
“All players have to undergo a pre-season fitness test — it’s mandatory as per the contract,” a BCCI official stated. “These tests help the COE (Centre of Excellence) understand where players stand, and what areas need improvement. Since there was a long break after the England Test series, players were given sets of exercises to follow at home.”
Additionally, the Branco Test, a new fitness parameter, is expected to be introduced later this year. Players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who now only play ODIs, will be required to maintain top-level fitness if they hope to remain part of the squad moving forward.
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