After wrapping up the Test series against England on 4 August, Indian cricketers have been enjoying a well-earned break. Their return to competitive cricket is set for the 2025 Asia Cup, starting on 9 September. Ahead of the tournament, every squad member will need to pass a compulsory fitness assessment at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. The test will be a key measure, and anyone failing it will lose eligibility for selection. Even players named in the Asia Cup squad could be replaced if they fall short.

As reported by The Indian Express, seven players are scheduled to take the test. Rohit Sharma, Test captain Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shardul Thakur, and Mohammed Siraj will be present.

Shubman Gill and Bumrah, both included in the Asia Cup line-up, must prove their readiness to keep their spots. Notably, Shubman has also returned to the T20I side as vice-captain.

The report also highlights uncertainty around Virat Kohli. Now based in London, the former India captain has already begun preparing for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. However, he too will need to undergo the test at the COE before he can be considered for selection.

Rohit and Kohli have retired from Tests and T20Is, focusing solely on ODIs. Both last appeared in international cricket during the Champions Trophy final in March.