India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that Virat Kohli is fit to play in the second ODI against England Sunday, February 9 at Barabati Stadium Cuttack. This was announced in the pre-match press conference which should have eased any fears for his fitness. The batting legend Kohli had to sit out the first ODI on Thursday, February 6, because of swelling in his right knee.

Virat Kohli had been fine up until the practice session of the previous day, but woke up with discomfort and did not take the field. Shreyas Iyer stepped in for him and won the match for his team with a quickfire 59 runs off 36 balls, which consisted of nine boundaries and two sixes.

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Sitanshu Kotak reassured fans by confirming that Kohli’s injury was not serious. “When he woke up in the morning, he had some swelling in his knee. He was fine till yesterday’s practice session. There’s nothing to worry about. He will definitely be fit for the next game,” he said.

Virat Kohli is fit and available for the second ODI, confirms India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak 🏏 pic.twitter.com/5RGW7DkXZa

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 8, 2025

India emerged victorious in the first ODI, winning by four wickets, but if Kohli is included in the lineup for the next match, some changes to the winning combination may be necessary. Iyer’s stellar performance likely means he’ll keep his place in the middle order. Iyer’s 30-ball half-century helped steady India’s chase of 249 after early wickets, contributing to a 93-run partnership with Shubman Gill, who also impressed with an 87-run knock.

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If Kohli returns, Yashasvi Jaiswal may make way for him. Gill might open with Rohit Sharma. India will look to seal the series in Cuttack and gather momentum ahead of the much-anticipated Champions Trophy, which commences on February 19.