Asia Cup 2023: Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma's Fitness Under Spotlight Following 13-Day Training Regimen In Bengaluru

Senior Indian men's cricketers, including prominent names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma , have embarked on a comprehensive fitness test during the team's intensive five-day camp held in Alur, Bengaluru .

This initiative, driven by the Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI ), aims to ensure that players meet the required fitness standards as the nation gears up for the upcoming cricket World Cup.

Tailored Fitness Regimen Developed by National Cricket Academy
A report by The Indian Express revealed that physiotherapists and trainers from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) meticulously crafted a specialised 13-day programme for players who were granted rest after India's tour of the West Indies. The programme is tailored to enhance the fitness levels of key players, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja , and fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.

An official from BCCI stated, "This is a special programme designed for players as we want them fit for the next two months. The trainer will come to know who has followed the programme and who hasn’t. The team management will then take a call on what to do with players who have not followed their programme."

Focused Training for Strength and Mobility
The comprehensive fitness programme was divided into two distinct phases spanning from August 9 to 22, with a designated rest day incorporated. The programme placed a strong emphasis on various aspects, including "strength and mobility, shoulder care, and glute muscles," as detailed in the report. Players received precise instructions on dietary protein intake, dedicated gym sessions, yoga practice, massage therapy, brisk walking, running, and swimming.

In addition to physical training, players were encouraged to engage in technical drills and ensure they received a recommended nine hours of sleep. Considering recent injury setbacks to key players like KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah leading up to the World Cup, BCCI remains vigilant and committed to minimising risks in the critical two-month period preceding the tournament.


Players Prioritise Preparation
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were among the players who promptly joined the camp in Bengaluru to undergo the fitness assessment. Apart from the rigorous fitness tests, players also underwent comprehensive full-body examinations, including blood tests, to ensure they are in optimal health.

Expansion of Camp and Upcoming Challenges
Notably, the Asia Cup 2023 squad members, currently engaged in a three-T20I series in Ireland—including players like Bumrah, Sanju Samson , Tilak Varma , and Prasidh Krishna—are scheduled to integrate into the training camp on August 25. This expansion of the camp underscores the determination of the Indian cricket team to bolster their performance in the upcoming challenges.