Virat Kohli is steadily progressing in his recovery from the hamstring injury he sustained while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during IPL 2026. The injury forced the veteran batter to miss India’s ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan despite initially being included in the squad. As a result, Yashasvi Jaiswal was drafted in as his replacement.
Kohli’s absence sparked concerns among fans about the severity of the injury and whether he would be fit in time for India’s upcoming ODI series against England next month. However, recent reports suggest the former India captain is recovering well and remains on course for a return.
According to The Times of India, Kohli is expected to report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru soon for a fitness assessment. The 37-year-old has already begun rehabilitation, and early indications are positive regarding his comeback timeline.
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“Kohli has started his rehabilitation, and his injury is healing quickly. He is expected to report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence for his fitness assessment and clearance soon. If his recovery goes as planned, Kohli is expected to make his comeback to the team in the upcoming England series,” a source told the publication.
🚨 VIRAT KOHLI LATEST UPDATE 🚨
– As per certain reports, Virat Kohli is recovering well from hamstring injury, and is expected to have some individual practice sessions in the first week of July. pic.twitter.com/dmCMW81u0x
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) June 18, 2026
Meanwhile, the BCCI is set to finalise India’s squad for the England ODI series in the coming days. While the squads for the Ireland and England T20I tours have already been announced, the ODI team selection remains pending.
“The selection committee meeting to pick India’s ODI team for the England tour will be held in the next three to four days,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was quoted as saying.
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Kohli now represents India exclusively in ODI cricket after retiring from both Test and T20I formats. His most recent competitive appearance came in the IPL 2026 final, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their title by defeating Gujarat Titans and securing their second championship.
India’s three-match ODI series against England is scheduled to begin on July 14 in Birmingham, and all eyes will be on Kohli’s fitness as the countdown to his anticipated return continues.
