Virat Kohli Named in India ODI Squad for England, Pending Fitness Clearance
Star batsman Virat Kohli has been named in the 15-man Indian squad for the upcoming ODI series against England, pending a final fitness assessment. Meanwhile, the squad for the T20I series against Ireland has been updated due to ongoing player injuries.
Highlights
- •Virat Kohli named in ODI squad for England series subject to fitness clearance.
- •Jasprit Bumrah returns after rest; Axar Patel replaces Harsh Dubey in the ODI team.
- •Varun Chakravarthy ruled out of Ireland T20Is due to ongoing foot injury rehabilitation.
- •Shreyas Iyer to captain the T20I side against Ireland with Tilak Varma as vice-captain.
Star batsman Virat Kohli has been officially included in the Indian squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, though his participation remains contingent upon receiving medical clearance. The BCCI confirmed the 15-member team on Sunday, highlighting the return of several key players for this high-profile international assignment.
Currently in Delhi for a professional engagement, Virat Kohli is scheduled to travel to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru this Monday. There, he will undergo a comprehensive fitness evaluation to assess his recovery from a hamstring injury. This injury, sustained during the latest Indian Premier League season while representing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, had previously sidelined him for the recent ODI series against Afghanistan.
ODI Squad Adjustments and Strategic Returns
The BCCI medical team and sports science staff have closely monitored Kohli's recuperation, even visiting him in England to track his progress. As he looks to regain his position at the number three spot, the selectors have emphasized stability at the top of the batting order. The team management intends to have Shubman Gill open alongside Rohit Sharma, with Ishan Kishan serving as a versatile backup option.
The squad announcement also features the return of elite pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was previously rested for workload management. Furthermore, veteran all-rounder Axar Patel has been recalled to the side, replacing the young spinner Harsh Dubey. Dubey is now set to transition to the India A red-ball squad for their upcoming series against Sri Lanka A. The upcoming matches against England are scheduled to take place at Edgbaston on July 14, Sophia Gardens on July 16, and the historic Lord's stadium on July 19.
Update on T20I Squad for Ireland
In related developments concerning the national setup, the squad for the T20I series in Ireland has undergone changes. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been excluded from the lineup as he continues his final phase of rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence following a left foot injury incurred during the IPL 2026 season. Shreyas Iyer will lead the T20I team, with Tilak Varma appointed as his deputy. The management remains focused on balancing player fitness and performance as the team navigates its busy calendar of white-ball cricket.
