[WATCH] Virat Kohli Spotted With His Right Knee Taped Ahead of IND vs ENG 2025 1st ODI 

Rohit Sharma’s announcement at a toss on Thursday that Virat Kohli would miss the first ODI at Nagpur against England came as a disappointment to cricket fans everywhere. Kohli’s form has barely been existent, as he recently seemed to have sustained a knee injury the previous night, which meant Yashasvi Jaiswal would now debut in One-Day internationals.

His injury is a blow for the Indian team, as he was just two games back from a long break, one of which was the New Zealand Test series and then the one against Australia. And in the Ranji Trophy, he really didn’t impress anyone. The Indian team wanted Kohli to get back in form for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

In Kohli’s absence, Shubman Gill is expected to bat at No. 3, with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening the innings for India. Matches such as these are memorable for a player like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana, who make their ODI debut.

After winning the toss, England opted to bowl first on a day India would have wished to exploit with their squad. Fans and the team’s focus will now turn to Kohli, who will have a big say for India in their title quest later this month, wishing him a speedy recovery.

Virat Kohli was seen wearing a strap on his right knee:

Virat Kohli has arrived at VCA, Nagpur 🔥 pic.twitter.com/470EUww2Iu

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) February 6, 2025

Before the toss at VCA Stadium, there was uncertainty about Kohli’s participation due to a bad knee. He had an elastic bandage strapped around his right knee and was assessed for fitness to play.

The commentators had noticed Kohli doing some light jogging and stretching, looking uncertain while conversing with a member of the coaching staff. Less encouraging was that he was also seen holding his right knee, suggesting he may have discomfort.

Such an injury is rare for Kohli, who last missed matches through injury back in 2022, when he was ruled out of a Test match against South Africa in Johannesburg with back spasms.

Kohli’s unavailability for the game is a big blow for the Indian team, especially because he has been out of form lately. They would be praying for an early recovery, as Kohli will be an important player for India’s title claim towards the end of this month.