Virat Kohli is on track to return to international cricket for India’s ODI series in England next month, with his recovery from a hamstring injury progressing ahead of schedule.
Kohli was injured during the IPL 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium, though he still managed an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinch their second straight IPL title. The injury subsequently forced him to sit out India’s home ODI series against Afghanistan.
Reports now indicate Kohli has begun rehabilitation and is healing faster than initially anticipated. He is expected to undergo a fitness test soon, the results of which will determine whether he gets the green light to feature against England.
The BCCI is likely to name its ODI squad for the tour later this week, with selectors set to meet in the coming days. Should Kohli pass his fitness assessment, he is widely tipped to be included in the touring party.
India’s white-ball tour of England includes five T20Is followed by a three-match ODI series, to be played in Birmingham, Cardiff, and Lord’s between July 14 and July 19.
The update comes as a relief for fans after weeks of uncertainty over the veteran batter’s fitness, with selectors hopeful he can slot back into the squad in time for the series opener.
