Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya and Others Undergo Fitness Tests at BCCI CoE Ahead of Asia Cup

Ahead of the Asia Cup, India’s Test captain Shubman Gill, who recently battled a viral flu, will head to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for fitness tests, according to TOI. After a tough series in England and a month’s break, Gill and other Indian players are required to clear these tests as per BCCI rules to confirm their availability for upcoming tournaments.

Many other players have also reached the CoE for fitness tests ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, which starts on September 9. The squad is expected to leave the country by next week. India’s Test captain Shubman Gill, who grabbed headlines with his return to the T20I side has also been included in the Asia Cup squad and named as the team’s vice-captain.

No Major Concern as Gill Recovers from Viral Flu

Shubman Gill was diagnosed with a viral flu, which ruled him out of the Duleep Trophy opener starting on August 28. According to TOI, his blood reports showed nothing serious and he is expected to return to full training soon. However, the illness kept the 25-year-old out of the tournament and in his absence, North Zone will be led by vice-captain Ankit Kumar in their opening match against East Zone.

Along with Shubman Gill, a few other players from the England series have also reached the CoE including Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Sai Sudharsan. While Sudharsan played three Tests in the series but missed out on the Asia Cup squad, Kuldeep and Arshdeep didn’t feature in any match, extending their wait for an international game. All three have been going through their regular fitness drills and Mohammed Siraj is also expected to join the CoE soon.

Hardik Pandya Resumes Training in Baroda After CoE Visit

Sai Sudharsan now needs to focus on his fitness with the upcoming squad selections for the home series against the West Indies. Hardik Pandya also visited the CoE along with Shreyas Iyer for fitness checks and has since moved to Baroda to continue practice before the Asia Cup. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who was India’s first-choice wicketkeeper and impressed in England is expected to begin his rehab soon after suffering a fractured right foot in Manchester.

Nitish Kumar Reddy Likely to Miss West Indies Series

Pant had a brilliant series in England and will be keen to return for the upcoming home series against the West Indies after missing the Asia Cup. He is expected to begin his rehab at the BCCI CoE soon. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who got injured after the Lord’s Test and flew back midway through the Anderson-Tendulkar series, has also been recovering at the CoE. He wasn’t picked for the Asia Cup squad and is likely to need more time before making a full comeback.

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