Virat Kohli's Fitness Test: Will He Make the Squad for England ODIs?

Kohli's Fitness Assessment Ahead of England Series

New Delhi: Virat Kohli is preparing to undergo a fitness evaluation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence as the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee gears up to finalize India's squad for the ODI series against England, scheduled from July 14-19 across Birmingham, Cardiff, and Lord’s.

The selection committee is expected to convene next week to make their decisions. Chief selector Agarkar was recently in Sri Lanka, observing the India ‘A’ team during their 50-over tri-series. Kohli has been sidelined from the current ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury he sustained during the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, where he scored a crucial 75 not out for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Currently, Kohli is undergoing rehabilitation in London. A source informed that he is anticipated to report to the BCCI CoE for his fitness assessment soon, likely after his One8 brand's inaugural Global Premiere event in Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, on Sunday. If his assessment goes well, he could be included in the squad for the ODIs against England.

In other news, seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya has started light training at the CoE in Bengaluru as he aims to regain full fitness after a minor leg issue kept him out of the ODIs against Afghanistan. Pandya has been at the CoE since June 2, seeking fitness clearance following a back problem that caused him to miss several matches for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026.

Reports indicate that Pandya resumed light training about 4-5 days ago after a week off. His training intensity is expected to gradually increase over the next couple of days. The CoE medical team will submit his medical report to the BCCI, which will help the selectors determine his availability for the ODIs in England.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the selectors and team management regarding whether they will wait for him to achieve full match fitness or if they will take him to England to continue his recovery.