In a significant boost to India’s preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, Test captain Shubman Gill and ODI skipper Rohit Sharma have successfully cleared the mandatory pre-season fitness assessments conducted at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). Several other international stars, including Jasprit Bumrah and Jitesh Sharma, were also deemed fit ahead of a packed cricket calendar.
Gill, 25, was named India’s vice-captain for the Asia Cup, which begins in Dubai on September 9. His participation had come under brief uncertainty after he withdrew from the Duleep Trophy due to a fever. Following a period of rest in his hometown, he reported to the CoE and cleared all required parameters.
“The Yo-Yo test and DXA scan — a standard bone density evaluation — were part of the fitness screening,” a BCCI source confirmed. “Gill, Bumrah, and Jitesh Sharma all passed comfortably.”
Rohit Sharma, who has stepped away from the Test and T20 formats, also participated in the fitness drills. While he has no immediate national duty, he is expected to remain in the city to continue training, potentially eyeing a return for India A’s ODI series against Australia A starting September 30 in Kanpur, as well as the senior ODI tour to Australia in November. Official confirmation on his participation is still awaited.
Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur were among the other players who underwent testing without any reported issues. While Jaiswal and Washington remain on the standby list for the Asia Cup, Thakur is set to lead the West Zone in the Duleep Trophy semifinal against Central Zone from September 4.
Some Asia Cup squad members — including Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, and Riyan Parag — were not subjected to fitness assessments due to their active participation in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals for their respective zonal teams.
Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, another standby name for the Asia Cup, was absent from the Duleep Trophy due to a groin niggle. Initially named Central Zone captain, Jurel was replaced by Rajat Patidar for the match against NorthEast Zone and remains under medical observation.
With most key players now cleared and training, the Indian squad looks well-positioned heading into the continental showdown. The emphasis on fitness and depth in squad preparation reflects the BCCI’s commitment to ensuring a strong and ready unit as India eyes regional glory in Dubai.
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