The India National Cricket Team for the three-match ODI series against England was announced yesterday. Virat Kohli has been added to the squad, but was mentioned subject to fitness clearance. The former India captain was ruled out of the Afghanistan series, citing a hamstring injury during the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans.
Virat Kohli reached Bengaluru to undergo a fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). Now, as per the reports has completed his task & likely to be given the green signal by tomorrow to be available for the England series. However, there has been no official confirmation of his return to the side. Though this news will be a relief for the fans.
Virat Kohli return in England series
Virat Kohli has been the mainstay for the Men in Blue side in the ODI format, as he showcases amazing prowess while batting at No.3 for India, which has made him nearly irreplaceable in the squad, especially playing only the ODI format, as he has retired from Test cricket and T20I cricket as well.
In the absence of Virat, Shubman Gill slotted himself in the No.3 position for the second and third ODIs, while Ishan Kishan batted at No.3 in the first game. Virat’s absence did not have much of an impact given the strength of the Afghanistan side. However, he will be crucial in England, given his experience of playing in windy conditions.
Virat Kohli last ODI series performances
Virat Kohli has been in excellent form in the recent few months for India, as he was the leading run-getter for the side in the series against South Africa and New Zealand. In the series against the Proteas, he amassed 302 runs at a staggering average of 151.00. His standout batting masterclass secured India a 2-1 series victory and the Player of the Series award.
Following in the series vs the Kiwis, he scored a total of 240 runs at an average of 80.00 across the 3-match ODI series against New Zealand in India. His performance included a century (108 off 108 balls) in the series decider and a Player of the Match-winning 93 in the opening game.
Kohli’s record in England
The former India captain has scored 1,349 runs in 33 ODI matches on English soil, maintaining an average of roughly 43.50. His impressive limited-overs record in England includes 12 fifties and one century. This showcases his amazing form and run-scoring ability in the English conditions in the 50-over format.
In the last ODI series against the three lions Kohli did not have the best of
India ODI squad for the England tour: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli*, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar.
*Subject to fitness clearance.
ODI series fixtures:
1st ODI – 14 July 2026, Edgbaston
2nd ODI – 16 July 2026, Sophia Gardens
3rd ODI – 19 July 2026, Lord’s
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