IND vs ENG 2nd ODI: It has not been a good couple of weeks for Indian cricket in terms of injuries, as star Indian batter was forced to sit out of the opening match of the three-match ODI series against England on February 6. Amid Jasprit Bumrah’s injury concerns, Kohli's injury comes across as yet another body blow for Team India's management with Champions Trophy starting on February 19. Kohli missed the first ODI against England in Nagpur due to a swollen knee, marking a rare absence for the batting maestro, known for his exceptional fitness.
Kohli was spotted warming up before the toss, but his right knee was heavily strapped, and he moved cautiously. At the toss, India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Kohli was left out due to the knee issue, while the hosts handed ODI debuts to Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana.
However, according to The Times of India, the team management remains optimistic about Kohli’s recovery. He is expected to be available for the 2nd ODI, scheduled to take place in Cuttack on Saturday.
“His (Kohli) right knee was fine during practice, but once we got back to the hotel, it swelled up. It doesn’t seem that bad though. He will play the Cuttack ODI in all likelihood," the daily quoted a team inside as claiming.
However, It is yet to be confirmed whether Kohli will head to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to get his knee checked or fly out with the Indian team to Cuttack for the next game.
Virat Kohli last played an ODI during India’s Sri Lanka tour in August 2024. Before that, he was in record-breaking form during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where India finished as runners-up.
Meanwhile, the Indian team is still awaiting the results of Jasprit Bumrah’s scan, which will determine his availability for the third ODI against England. Bumrah was initially expected to play the final match of the series, but he wasn’t included in an updated squad announced before the first ODI.
In his absence, leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was drafted into the squad. Chakaravarthy earned the call-up after his player-of-the-series performance in the five-match T20I series against England.