Virat Kohli Injury Update: Will Star India Batter Play in IND vs ENG 2nd ODI & Be Fit For Champions Trophy 2025?

Virat Kohli injury update: The star India batter missed an One Day International outing for the first time since 2022, adding a slight blow to Team India ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to begin on February 19.

A sore right knee forced Kohli out of the first ODI against England at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday (February 6) but the extent of the problem was not immediately clear.

"Unfortunately Kohli not playing, a right knee problem that happened last night," skipper Rohit Sharma said at the toss, surprising everyone, while BCCI posted a one-line statement, which added nothing more to what Rohit had revealed. "Virat Kohli was unavailable for selection for the 1st ODI due to a sore right knee."

It is understood that Kohli didn't bat for a long time in the nets on the eve of the series opener in Nagpur due to apparent discomfort in the knee. On the day of the match, his right knee was seen heavily strapped when he came out to do some shuttle sprints.

The management would hope that Kohli's knee injury is not too serious and he is good to go in the remaining two matches of the showdown against England. The second game is in Cuttack on February 9, followed by the series-finale in Ahmedabad on February 12.

Will Kohli play in IND vs ENG 2nd ODI?

Virat Kohli fitness update: The 36-year-old didn't look comfortable and hobbled a bit with physio Kamlesh Jain keeping a close watch on his movements, but he hasn't yet been taken for scans as yet.

It will be interesting to see whether Kohli will leave for Bengaluru for a quick check-up at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) or accompany the team to Cuttack for the next game. However, he may not be out for long.

According to a report in Times of India, Kohli in all likelihood will play in Cuttack as the injury seems a minor one. Yashasvi Jaiswal made his debut in Kohli's absence, but it was later revealed Shreyas Iyer would have been the one to sit out if the seasoned batter passed fitness.

"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 team insider told TOI.

Will Kohli be fit for Champions Trophy 2025?

With the ongoing series, India entered the final phase of its Champions Trophy preparations and the side is already grappling with the lingering doubts around pace talisman Jasprit Bumrah's availability. Now, Kohli's injury may add an extra worry.

However, the latest update seem to put to bed any concerns around the star batter's availability for the ICC event. There is still more than a week and a half before India begin their campaign.

Kohli's fitness will be known in the next two ODIs against England. The Champions Trophy is due to start on February 19 in Pakistan with India playing all their matches in Dubai from February 20.