Kohli and Rohit Gear Up for ODI Series Against England
Return of Indian Batting Legends
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to make their comeback in the ODI series against England, with the first match scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Kohli, who last donned the Indian jersey six months ago during the third ODI against New Zealand, is eager to return after missing the ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final. He has been diligently training to regain his fitness.
Rohit Sharma, who last played in the ODIs against Afghanistan, aims to leverage his extensive experience to bolster the batting lineup under the leadership of Shubman Gill. Both players were absent from the recent T20I series against England, which India lost 0-4, as they had retired from T20 internationals following the 2024 T20 World Cup.
ODI Records of Kohli and Rohit in England
As the most experienced batsmen in the Indian squad, Kohli and Rohit have a wealth of experience in English conditions, having participated in numerous bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
Kohli made his ODI debut against England in 2011 and has since accumulated 581 runs, including one century and four fifties, with an average of 38.73 in 16 ODIs played in England. Overall, he has scored 1,349 runs, featuring one century and 12 fifties, at an impressive average of 51.88 across 33 matches in bilateral series and the 2019 ODI World Cup.
Rohit, who also debuted against England in 2011, has scored 410 runs, including two centuries and two fifties, averaging 58.57 in 10 ODIs on English soil. In total, he has amassed 1,428 runs, with seven centuries and seven fifties, at an average of 64.90 in 27 matches across bilateral series and the 2019 World Cup.
Importance of the ODI Series for Kohli and Rohit
The return of Kohli and Rohit is a significant advantage for India as they prepare for the ODI series against England, especially following their disappointing 0-4 loss in the T20I series. The team is looking to stabilize its batting order and regain its winning form in ODIs.
This series holds particular importance for Kohli and Rohit, who have transitioned to one-format players after retiring from Tests and T20Is. Their goal is to extend their international careers until the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Both players have expressed their eagerness to participate in the upcoming marquee event. Rohit has played in all ODIs since retiring from Tests, while Kohli missed only the recent series against Afghanistan due to injury.
The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will closely monitor their performance, consistency, and fitness during the England ODI series, as these factors will be crucial in determining their future in the squad leading up to the 2027 World Cup.