Shubman Gill Heads to NCA's Centre of Excellence for Fitness Test Ahead of Asia Cup

India’s Test captain and T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill has arrived at the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to undergo a fitness test ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup.

Gill, who was recently unwell and recovering at home in Chandigarh, is expected to undergo a mandatory assessment at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) facility. The test is part of the routine protocol for all players selected for the Asia Cup squad. He reached Bengaluru on the evening of Friday, August 29, and is likely to travel to the UAE directly from there once cleared.

Due to illness, Gill was forced to miss the ongoing Duleep Trophy inter-zonal competition. However, after a brief period of rest, he resumed training in Chandigarh before flying out to Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, the Indian team is scheduled to assemble in Dubai on September 4. Unlike usual practice, the players will not travel as a group but will arrive individually from their respective locations. The team’s first practice session is set for September 5, most likely at the ICC Academy in Dubai — a venue where India previously trained during their victorious Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year.

With the team recently wrapping up a Test series in England, India’s T20I preparation has been limited. In contrast, other participating teams have already begun their preparations. Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE are currently engaged in a tri-series in Sharjah. Sri Lanka are playing a bilateral series in Zimbabwe, while Bangladesh recently faced Pakistan in a T20I series. Oman and Hong Kong have already reached the UAE and are participating in friendly matches.

The Asia Cup kicks off on September 9, with India set to begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10.