IND vs ENG 1st ODI: Why Star India Batter Virat Kohli is Not Playing in The Series Opener Against England?

Virat Kohli was not included in the Team India playing 11 for the first of the three-match ODI series, which is taking place at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday (February 6).

Kohli, captain Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav were among the senior pros joining the squad as Team India look to get their Champions Trophy preparations started on a positive note.

Both Rohit and Kohli head into the series short of runs. So, the players and the team management would have hoped the duo added some runs before the big ICC event, which gets under way on February 19 in Pakistan and UAE.

However, to the disappointment of the fans and the player himself, Virat misses the first ODI, while youngsters Yashawi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana have been handed their One Day International debuts.

Why is Virat Kohli not playing in IND vs ENG 1st ODI?

Kohli is missing the ODI series opener between India and England at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur due to a knee issue. During the toss, skipper Rohit had said, "Unfortunately Virat (Kohli) is not playing, he had a knee problem last night."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also confirmed the development, posting on their official social media account, "Update: Virat Kohli was unavailable for selection for the 1st ODI due to a sore right knee."

When was the last time Kohli missed an ODI due to injury?

Kohli has very rarely missed match due to injury. The former India skipper gives fitness the most importance. This is the first time since 2022 that Kohli is missing an ODI match despite being in the squad.

Back in 2022, Kohli missed an ODI due to injury also against the same opposition when he was ruled out of the first ODI of a three-match series against England at The Oval due to a groin injury.