The BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru is hosting fitness tests for key Indian cricketers in preparation for the 2025 Asia Cup. Test captain and T20 vice-captain Shubman Gill, ODI captain Rohit Sharma, and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj are all undergoing pre-season fitness assessments. The Indian squad is scheduled to assemble in Dubai on September 4th, gearing up for their opening match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 9th.
Rohit Sharma, who has retired from T20 and Test cricket, is also undergoing fitness tests at the CoE. These tests are expected to conclude by Sunday. Sharma, who now focuses solely on the ODI format, will be looking to make a strong start to the new season, potentially with an ODI series against Australia in October. The fitness assessments involve the Bronco and Yo-Yo tests. Reports indicate that the first day of testing has been completed, with the second day scheduled for Sunday and results to follow.
Shubman Gill was recently sidelined from the Duleep Trophy quarter-final due to illness, recovering from a viral fever. He has now fully recovered and joined the team in Bengaluru. Unlike previous years, players will be traveling to Dubai from various locations instead of a unified departure from Mumbai. Gill may travel directly from Bengaluru to Dubai. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is also participating in the Asia Cup, has also arrived for testing.
Additionally, wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma has joined the CoE for pre-tournament preparations. Shardul Thakur will also be undergoing pre-season testing at the CoE soon. Thakur will captain West Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final, while Jaiswal and Sundar, who are on standby for the Asia Cup, will also feature in the final four matches of the domestic season.