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Team India has been dealt a fresh injury concern as Virat Kohli’s fitness remains uncertain ahead of the second ODI against England in Cuttack on February 9. The star batter missed the first ODI in Nagpur due to a swollen right knee, raising concerns with the Champions Trophy approaching later this year.
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Kohli’s Knee Swelling a Late Concern
Before the Nagpur ODI, Kohli was seen training with a strapped knee, moving cautiously and under the close watch of physio Kamlesh Jain. Despite showing signs of discomfort, his absence from the playing XI came as a surprise when Rohit Sharma confirmed at the toss that Kohli was unfit to play.
As a result:
🔹 Yashasvi Jaiswal made his ODI debut
🔹 Shubman Gill was promoted to No. 3 in the batting order
The swelling reportedly worsened after the team returned to the hotel, leading to a late decision on Wednesday night to rest him.
Will Kohli Be Fit for the Cuttack ODI?
According to sources in the team’s support staff, the injury is not serious, and Kohli is likely to play in Cuttack.
“His right knee was fine during practice, but once we got back to the hotel, it swelled up. It doesn’t seem that bad, though. He will play the Cuttack ODI in all likelihood,” a source told Times of India.
However, Kohli has not yet undergone scans, and it remains to be seen whether he will:
✅ Travel to Bengaluru for a check-up at the National Cricket Academy (NCA)
✅ Join the team directly in Cuttack
Kohli’s Injury History in Recent Years
📌 2022 – Missed a Test against South Africa due to upper back spasm
📌 2021 – Skipped a warm-up match vs Select County XI due to stiff back
📌 2017 – Missed the fourth Test vs Australia after injuring his right shoulder while fielding in Ranchi
What’s Next?
🏏 2nd ODI – February 9 in Cuttack
🏏 3rd ODI – February 12 in Ahmedabad
With Kohli’s fitness under watch, Team India will hope for a swift recovery as they look to take an unassailable lead in the three-match series. 🚨
