Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah have returned to India’s ODI setup as the BCCI announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match series against England, beginning on July 14. While Kohli’s inclusion remains subject to fitness clearance, Bumrah is set to make his long-awaited return to the 50-over format after nearly three years.
The squad will be led by Shubman Gill, with Shreyas Iyer named vice-captain. Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan are among the senior batters included, while all-rounders Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy provide balance to the side.
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India squad for England ODIs: 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)
Kohli returns after missing the recently concluded ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final. The veteran batter had suffered discomfort while guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second successive IPL title and was subsequently rested as a precaution.
His comeback means there is no place for Yashasvi Jaiswal, despite the youngster making a strong case for selection. Drafted into the Afghanistan series as Kohli’s replacement, Jaiswal impressed with two centuries in his last three ODI innings, including a hundred in Chennai on Saturday. However, the selectors have opted to restore Kohli to the side once fit.
Reports suggest Kohli is progressing well in his recovery and is expected to undergo further assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence before receiving final clearance. The 37-year-old last played an ODI against New Zealand in January, where he finished as India’s leading run-scorer with 240 runs at an average of 80.
Another major talking point is the return of Bumrah, who is set to play his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup final. The pace spearhead has not featured in a 50-over international since India’s heartbreaking defeat in Ahmedabad, with workload management keeping him away from the format.
Having played crucial roles in India’s T20 World Cup campaigns and Test assignments over the last two years, Bumrah has been carefully managed by the team management. His return significantly strengthens India’s bowling attack, which also includes Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and emerging left-arm pacer Gurnoor Brar.
Brar earned his place after an impressive debut ODI series against Afghanistan, where he emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker with seven wickets. Axar Patel also returns after being rested, while youngsters Harsh Dubey and Prince Yadav miss out on selection.
Notably absent from the squad are Mohammed Siraj and Hardik Pandya. While Siraj is likely being managed ahead of India’s upcoming Test commitments, Hardik has reportedly not recovered sufficiently to be considered for selection. As a result, Nitish Kumar Reddy continues to get opportunities as India’s pace-bowling all-rounder.
India will face England in a three-match ODI series at Edgbaston, Sophia Gardens and Lord’s, with the contests expected to provide crucial preparation ahead of future international assignments.
