Virat Kohli missed the first ODI against England in Nagpur due to soreness in his right knee.
The injury occurred despite Kohli participating in practice sessions the day before. According to team sources, the swelling in his knee arose after the team returned to their hotel.
Updates on Kohli’s Availability for the 2nd ODI
- Shubman Gill, India’s vice-captain, has downplayed concerns regarding Kohli’s injury, stating that he will likely be available for the 2nd ODI against England in Cuttack on February 09, 2025. Gill noted that Kohli had some swelling in his knee when he woke up on the morning of the first ODI but reassured that there was nothing to worry about.
- A team insider mentioned that the injury “doesn’t seem that bad” and that Kohli will “most likely play in the Cuttack ODI”.
Possible Replacements and Team Dynamics
- In Kohli’s absence, Shreyas Iyer was included in the playing XI for the first ODI, where he scored 59 runs off 36 balls. Iyer revealed that he was informed of Kohli’s exclusion the night before the match due to the knee issue.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal made his ODI debut in the first match, along with Harshit Rana.
The ODI series against England is considered important preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
There were considerations about whether Kohli would visit the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for a check-up or travel with the team to Cuttack.
The last time Kohli missed an ODI due to injury was in 2022 against England due to a groin strain.
He also missed a Test match against South Africa in 2022 due to an upper back spasm and a warm-up match against Select County XI in 2021 because of a stiff back.
