Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul Set For Yo-Yo Test, Virat Kohli’s Status Unclear
With a brief break, the Indian cricket team is in for a pivotal few months, beginning with the Asia Cup 2025 in September and then building up to a much-awaited white-ball series against Australia. However, before things actually start, a series of fitness tests at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru will decide on the availability of some key players.
Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul to Face Yo-Yo Tests
As per a report by RevSportz, ODI captain Rohit Sharma and veteran batsman KL Rahul will take the compulsory Yo-Yo test between August 30-31. The results of the test will be pivotal in determining if Rohit will be able to return to competitive cricket via the upcoming India A vs Australia A series, which starts on September 30 and continues until October 5.
This set is considered a possible warm-up for the bigger India vs Australia ODI series, which is to start on October 19.
Virat Kohli’s Availability Still Unclear
Though Rohit and Rahul appear near fitness clearance, there is yet no indication of Virat Kohli’s fitness test timetable. Kohli, the mainstay of India’s batting line-up, will be needed to take a central role in case of being fit, especially with the team looking for a robust run in the build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.
Asia Cup Takes Priority Over Australia Clash
In spite of the hype surrounding the series in Australia, India’s first priority will be the Asia Cup 2025, where they would like to begin on a winning note. The fitness camp is meant to prepare players to be match-fit for the continental tournament, which will be the precursor to the long season to come.
Good News from Other Players
Recently, the T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was cleared following a successful five to six-week rehab stint at the CoE. Hardik Pandya also underwent fitness tests previously, showing that India’s core group is gradually returning to match readiness.
What is the Yo-Yo Test?
The Yo-Yo Test is a fitness test conducted to assess a player’s endurance, recovery, and stamina. It entails running between two cones spaced 20 meters apart at accelerating paces, with brief rest breaks in between.
- Players are required to time the beeps of an audio signal, which increases its pace gradually.
- The test goes on until a player is no longer able to maintain the required speed.
- The score determines the player’s overall fitness level and match readiness.
For the Indian cricket team, a minimum benchmark score is mandatory for selection in high-intensity tournaments like the Asia Cup and upcoming India vs Australia series.
What Lies Ahead?
With a packed schedule, featuring the Asia Cup, the Australia series, and build-up to upcoming ICC events, fitness levels of players will continue to be a priority. The coming weeks will decide if India’s most seasoned players, such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are in peak condition to spearhead the charge during this critical phase.