The BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru is hosting fitness tests for the Indian cricket team in anticipation of the 2025 Asia Cup. Test captain and T20 vice-captain Shubman Gill has arrived, alongside ODI captain Rohit Sharma and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, for pre-season fitness evaluations. The Indian squad is preparing to gather in Dubai on September 4th, in readiness for their inaugural match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 9th.
Rohit Sharma, who has concluded his T20 and Test careers, is also undergoing fitness tests at the CoE. These tests are slated to conclude by Sunday. Sharma, who now focuses exclusively on the ODI format, will be seeking a strong start to the season, potentially including an ODI series against Australia in October. The fitness protocols encompass the Bronco and Yo-Yo tests. Reports indicate the initial day of testing has been finalized, with the subsequent day’s assessments set for Sunday and results expected.
Shubman Gill was previously sidelined from the Duleep Trophy quarter-final owing to illness; he has since recovered from a viral fever. He is now back with the team in Bengaluru. This year, players will travel to Dubai from various locations, deviating from the previous custom of a collective departure from Mumbai. Gill may proceed directly from Bengaluru to Dubai. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, an Asia Cup participant, has also reported for testing.
Adding to the contingent, wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma has joined the CoE for pre-tournament preparations. Shardul Thakur is also scheduled to undergo pre-season assessments at the CoE. Thakur is set to captain West Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final, whilst Jaiswal and Sundar, included on the Asia Cup standby list, will also feature in the last four matches of the domestic season.