The upcoming ODI series against England will mark Virat Kohli’s return to international cricket after the veteran batter missed India’s home ODI series against Afghanistan in June. Following India’s disappointing T20I tour, attention now shifts to the 50-over format, with Rohit Sharma, Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah all set to return. However, just a day before the first ODI, a video from India’s training session briefly sparked concerns over Kohli’s fitness.
In the clip, Kohli is seen holding his stomach, leading to speculation on social media that he may have suffered another injury. However, the footage suggests otherwise. The 37-year-old appears to be laughing while interacting with teammates and gesturing animatedly, indicating it was a light-hearted moment during practice rather than a fitness concern.
Kohli is expected to slot straight back into India’s playing XI at No. 3 for the three-match ODI series. During his absence, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill filled the role against Afghanistan, but with Kohli fully fit, he is set to reclaim his regular position in the batting order.
The series will also mark the return of premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has not played international cricket since India’s victorious 2026 T20 World Cup final on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. India became the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title and the first to win the tournament on home soil.
India’s predicted playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube/Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Prince Yadav.
