Team India’s senior batter Virat Kohli is set for an important fitness test at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on June 22, and the outcome is expected to play a major role in deciding his availability for India’s ODI squad for the England tour. Kohli was recently sidelined from the home ODI series against Afghanistan after sustaining a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final, forcing selectors to consider alternatives for the short series.

The 36-year-old has reportedly been completing his rehabilitation in England under the supervision of the CoE medical and physio staff. In the latest sign of his recovery journey, Kohli was also spotted in London with England and Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox, sparking fresh discussion among fans about his return timeline.

According to reports, the CoE maintained contact with Kohli while he was in London and sent him a structured rehab plan to follow before his next assessment in Bengaluru. A report from Dainik Jagran suggests that the selectors are likely to finalise the ODI squad only after Kohli clears his fitness test. As per the report, Kohli’s recovery is progressing well, but the medical team wants one final check before giving him the green light for international duty.

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“The COE had contacted Virat Kohli in London. After that, he was given a rehab program. Virat Kohli is recovering quickly from his hamstring injury. On June 22, Virat will go to the COE, where his fitness test will be conducted again. After that, the ODI team will be announced,” the report said.

Virat Kohli will be giving the fitness test at the BCCI’s CoE on 22nd June. (Abhishek Tripathi). pic.twitter.com/HSeFQJMzln

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 20, 2026

Kohli had been replaced by Yashasvi Jaiswal in the squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Despite the injury setback, the right-hander has enjoyed an excellent start to the year, beginning with a strong home series against New Zealand before producing another standout IPL campaign. He played a key role in helping RCB lift their second consecutive title, underlining his consistency and big-match impact.

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Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya’s injury troubles continue to be a concern for Team India. The all-rounder is expected to miss the ODI series against England as well, after being ruled out of the Afghanistan ODIs at the last moment. Pandya had earlier dealt with back spasms during IPL 2026, and although he cleared a fitness test in Bengaluru, he picked up another injury soon after. A Times of India report stated that he has not yet built up the bowling workload and conditioning required for ODI cricket. The three-match ODI series in England begins on July 14 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.