The Indian cricket fans have been shocked by Virat Kohli‘s absence in India’s Playing 11 for the first ODI match against England in Nagpur.
His absence was unexpected, especially since the three-match ODI series is considered a crucial preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.
Virat Kohli was sidelined due to a knee problem and was seen with heavy strapping before the match. During the toss, Rohit Sharma confirmed that the star batter would miss the game due to knee soreness.
Kohli had managed to avoid injuries that often sideline even the toughest athletes until Thursday in Nagpur.
Kohli’s knee issue does not appear to be serious. According to multiple media reports, the Indian batter is expected to be fit for selection in the second ODI.
“His right knee was fine during practice, but once we got back to the hotel, it swelled up. It doesn’t seem too bad, though. He will most likely play in the Cuttack ODI,” said a source.
With the Champions Trophy approaching, concerns over Kohli’s fitness have emerged amid discussions about his recent dip in form.
The 36 year old has not yet undergone scans and it remains to be seen whether Virat Kohli will travel to Bengaluru for a quick check-up at the National Cricket Academy or accompany the team to Cuttack for the next match.
Meanwhile, India vice-captain Shubman Gill has given a crucial update on Virat Kohli’s injury ahead of the second ODI.
Speaking in the post conference match, Gill assured that there’s nothing to worry about Kohli and he would be fit for the next game.
“When he woke up in the morning, he had some swelling in his knee,” Gill said. “He was fine till yesterday’s practice session. There’s nothing to worry. He will definitely be fit for the next game,” he added.
Last time, Virat Kohli missed an ODI due to an injury was in 2022 against England at The Oval due to a groin Strain.
Virat Kohli is just 94 runs away from becoming only the third batter to reach 14,000 runs in the format. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara have got there before, but Kohli has the golden opportunity to become the fastest to the milestone.
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