New Delhi: A massive piece of news came out from the toss of the first ODI between India and England as Rohit Sharma confirmed the absence of superstar batter Virat Kohli from the playing X1 in Nagpur. After winning the T20I series 4-1, India are aiming to continue the momentum in the 50-over format which acts as preparatory series for both teams for the ICC Champions Trophy. With Both Rohit and Virat not part of the T20I set-up anymore, fans were eagerly awaiting the comeback of India’s stalwarts in the ODI series.
However, Rohit’s announcement at the coin toss, which was won by the England, sent the Indian fans in distress. Kohli was last seen in action in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match last week. Rohit also confirmed that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana are making their India ODI debuts. Both players were handed their maiden ODI caps ahead of the toss.
Why is Virat Kohli not playing IND vs ENG 1st ODI in Nagpur?
At the coin toss, Rohit confirmed that Virat is missing from the playing X1 due to a knee injury. The India skipper told Ravi Shastri that “Virat isn’t playing as he had a knee problem last night.” While the wait for the fans to see Virat in his favourite format continues, thankfully the injury did not look too serious as he was captured warming up on the field with a strapping/knee cap on his right knee. With Virat absent, it will be interesting to see India’s batting line-up in the series opener.
Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav will also be in the spotlight after returning from a long injury layoff.
England opt to bat
England skipper Jos Buttler won the toss and had no hesitations in opting to bat first in warm conditions at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, which is hosting its first international match since 2019. England had announced their playing X1 on the eve of the match.
Meanwhile, India have picked Shami, who was the leading wicket-taker (24) for India in the ODI World Cup. The ace fast bowler made his international comeback after 14 months in the recently concluded T20I series.
This is India’s first ODI series since August 2024, when they lost a three-match rubber 0-2 to Sri Lanka.
Virat Kohli injury: The news of Virat Kohli not playing India vs England 1st ODI sent shockwaves across the Indian fan community, which was eagerly waiting the superstar’s comeback in 50-over cricket. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
