Virat Kohli was forced to miss the first ODI between India and England in Nagpur after injuring his right knee during practice on Wednesday evening. The injury, which initially raised concerns, appears to be a minor setback for the star batter, and it’s expected that Kohli will return for the next match.
According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Kohli was unavailable for selection in the first ODI due to a sore right knee. Despite the injury, Kohli was seen on the field with his teammates warming up before the game, albeit with a knee strapping, which indicates that the injury isn’t serious. The Indian team management and Kohli himself would have been disappointed to miss the game, but it seems unlikely that he will be sidelined for long.
ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar And Family Meet President Murmu At Rashtrapati Bhavan
Early morning reports suggested that all-rounder Hardik Pandya had been taken to the hospital on Wednesday night after complaining of stomach pain. However, these reports were not confirmed by the team management, and Pandya was included in the playing XI. In contrast, it was Kohli who had to sit out.
King 👑 Hardik ❤️ 😍 pic.twitter.com/hlTmVh7YdW
— IlayaThalapathi Rohit (@KanapathiRohit) February 6, 2025
India went on to secure a comfortable four-wicket victory despite Kohli’s absence. Chasing a target of 249, India lost their openers early, but Shreyas Iyer played a vital role in the chase. He scored 59 off 36 balls in a 94-run partnership with Shubman Gill, who contributed 87 runs. The duo’s counter-attacking partnership guided India to victory with 11.2 overs to spare.
After the match, Kohli, Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja were seen celebrating India’s win in high spirits. The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, which serves as preparation for the Champions Trophy later this year.
ALSO READ: From Movie Night To Match-Winner: Shreyas Iyer’s Unexpected Call To India’s Playing XI
The second ODI will be held in Cuttack on Sunday, followed by the final match in Ahmedabad on February 12. The Champions Trophy will begin on February 19, with the eight-team tournament being co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
