Virat Kohli's recovery clears path for England ODI series

India’s star batter Virat Kohli is making steady progress after a hamstring injury suffered in the IPL 2026 final, where he scored an unbeaten 75 to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the title. The injury forced his withdrawal from the ongoing India‑Afghanistan ODI series, with Yashasvi Jaiswal named as his replacement.

Kohli has begun rehabilitation in London and is undergoing fitness assessments at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Team officials expect him to be cleared in time for the three‑match ODI series against England scheduled for 14–19 July in Birmingham, Cardiff and Lord’s.

Selectors are set to meet in the next few days to finalize the squad, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar has indicated that Kohli could be fit for the England tour, although a definitive timeline has not been confirmed.