Rohit Sharma to attend fitness test; Kohli doubtful for England ODIs
Rohit Sharma is expected to report to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on June 8 for a fitness assessment following a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, also nursing a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL, is likely to be sidelined for at least six weeks, potentially missing the Afghanistan and England ODI series.
Key Highlights
- Rohit Sharma to undergo fitness test at BCCI's CoE on June 8.
- Virat Kohli faces six-week recovery period for hamstring injury.
- Kohli doubtful for Afghanistan and England ODI series due to injury.
- Both players sustained injuries during the IPL 2026 season.
- Fitness clearance is mandatory for Rohit's inclusion in the Afghanistan series.
Cricket fans' attention is keenly focused on the fitness of two of India's biggest stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, ahead of crucial upcoming series. Rohit Sharma is reportedly set to undergo a mandatory fitness assessment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on June 8. This follows a hamstring injury he sustained during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. His inclusion in the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, scheduled to commence on June 13, is contingent upon clearing this fitness test. Sources indicate that Rohit will spend three days at the CoE, engaging in various training sessions, including batting under lights, before joining the Indian squad in Dharamshala on June 11. This proactive approach by the BCCI aims to ensure player well-being and readiness for international commitments. The CoE in Bengaluru, established in the 2010s, serves as a premier training and rehabilitation facility for Indian cricketers, equipped with modern tools and technologies to aid recovery and performance enhancement. The facility boasts multiple grounds, extensive net facilities, and sports science centers. It's noteworthy that Rohit Sharma, along with other prominent players like Test captain Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah, have previously undergone mandatory pre-season fitness tests at the CoE as per their contracts. These assessments help the coaching staff identify areas for improvement and tailor training regimens. Meanwhile, the news regarding Virat Kohli is less optimistic. The star batter also sustained a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final, which has cast a significant doubt over his participation in the upcoming series. Reports suggest that Kohli's injury might require at least six weeks for recovery and rehabilitation. This timeline would rule him out of the entire ODI series against Afghanistan and also jeopardizes his availability for the subsequent three-match ODI series in England, which is slated to begin on July 14. Kohli has reportedly consulted with orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwalla and his MRI scans are being reviewed. While his injury is not expected to require surgery, the extended recovery period is a major concern for the team management, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup preparations on the horizon. The IPL 2026 season, while delivering thrilling cricket, has unfortunately resulted in a spate of injuries for key players, highlighting the demanding nature of the modern cricketing calendar. The BCCI's focus on player fitness and management is evident through these rigorous assessment protocols. The situation underscores the importance of depth in the Indian squad and the need for reliable backup options as the team navigates through these injury concerns. The coming days will be crucial in determining the exact extent of recovery for both Rohit and Kohli and their subsequent availability for national duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rohit Sharma undergoing a fitness test?
Rohit Sharma sustained a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 season and needs to pass a fitness assessment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence to be cleared for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan.
What is the extent of Virat Kohli's injury?
Virat Kohli has suffered a hamstring tear during the IPL 2026, and reports indicate he will require at least six weeks for recovery and rehabilitation, potentially ruling him out of upcoming series.
Which series might Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli miss?
Rohit Sharma's participation in the ODI series against Afghanistan is subject to fitness clearance. Virat Kohli is likely to miss the Afghanistan ODI series and is doubtful for the ODI series against England.
Where is the BCCI's Centre of Excellence located?
The BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) is located in Bengaluru, India, and serves as a key facility for player assessments, training, and rehabilitation.