Virat Kohli is scheduled for a fitness evaluation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence before the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, gathers to finalize India’s team for the upcoming ODI series in England. The series is set to take place from July 14-19 across Birmingham, Cardiff, and Lord’s.
The selectors are expected to convene in the upcoming week to make decisions regarding the squad composition. Chief selector Agarkar was recently in Sri Lanka monitoring India ‘A’ team’s performance in the 50-over tri-series. Kohli, who missed the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, has been undergoing rehabilitation in London.
Reports suggest that Kohli will soon undergo a fitness assessment at the BCCI CoE for clearance. This assessment is likely to occur post his One8 brand’s Global Premiere event in Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. If all progresses well, Kohli may be considered for the ODIs against England.
Seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya has also resumed light training at the CoE facility in Bengaluru to regain full fitness after recovering from a leg injury that sidelined him from the ODIs against Afghanistan. Pandya, who had been at the CoE since June 2 for fitness clearance following a back issue during IPL 2026, has gradually resumed training over the past few days.
The intensity of Pandya’s training is expected to increase gradually over the next couple of days. His medical status will be assessed by the CoE medical team and shared with the BCCI, based on which the selectors will determine his availability for the ODIs in England. The decision on Pandya’s participation will depend on whether the team management opts to wait for him to achieve full match fitness or allows him more time to build up the required fitness level for ODI matches.
