India’s preparations for the ODI series against England have received a significant boost, with Virat Kohli on the verge of making his international return after successfully completing his fitness assessment at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The former India captain had been included in the squad for the three-match series, but his participation depended on medical clearance following the hamstring injury he sustained during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 final triumph over Gujarat Titans. The injury forced him to miss India’s recent ODI series against Afghanistan.
According to reports, Kohli completed all the required fitness tests on June 22 and is expected to receive formal clearance from the BCCI medical team soon. Unless an unforeseen issue arises, the 37-year-old will be available for the opening ODI on July 14.
His return comes at a crucial stage for India as the build-up towards the 2027 ODI World Cup gathers pace. With limited opportunities in the 50-over format, every series carries added importance, and the England tour is expected to provide valuable preparation in conditions that could resemble those at next year’s World Cup.
India performed impressively in Kohli’s absence, sweeping Afghanistan 3-0. Yashasvi Jaiswal starred with a century, while Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma also enjoyed productive outings. However, Kohli’s experience and consistency remain irreplaceable.
Since the beginning of 2024, Kohli has scored 949 ODI runs in 19 innings at an average of 59.31, including four centuries and five half-centuries. His most recent ODI appearance came against New Zealand in January, where he finished as India’s leading run-scorer.
Kohli also enjoyed an excellent IPL 2026 campaign, finishing it with an unbeaten 75 in the final to help RCB secure a second successive title. Having recovered smoothly from the injury picked up during that match, the veteran batter now appears ready to resume his role at the heart of India’s ODI plans.
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BIG BOOST FOR INDIA AS VIRAT KOHLI PASSES FITNESS ASSESSMENT AHEAD OF ENGLAND TOUR
