Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Set for ODI Return Against England
Published By
Lucy
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Updated:
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been practising intensively at Edgbaston as they prepare to return to India’s ODI side, with the three-match England series concluding at Lord’s in London.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to return to international action when India face England in the opening one-day international at Edgbaston on Tuesday, 14 July.
The experienced batters have joined India’s 50-over squad after missing the preceding T20 series. Kohli’s selection was initially subject to fitness clearance following a hamstring injury, but his involvement in India’s training sessions has increased expectations that he will play in Birmingham.
Both players have been practising hard in the Edgbaston nets as they prepare for the different demands of 50-over cricket. Rohit completed fielding drills before taking part in a lengthy batting session, including about half an hour of open-net match simulation.
The training sessions are especially important because both players have had limited recent international cricket. Kohli missed India’s June ODI series against Afghanistan after sustaining his hamstring injury during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Indian Premier League final victory in May.
Rohit and Kohli now play only ODI cricket for India after retiring from the Test and T20 international formats. Their return provides India with considerable experience as the team begins shaping its plans for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Gill Backs India’s Experienced Batting Pair
Shubman Gill will captain India during the three-match series, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain. Gill described Kohli and Rohit as the backbone of India’s batting during his pre-match press conference on Monday, 13 July.
The presence of Kohli and Rohit is expected to restore an experienced core to the batting order after India’s difficult T20 series in England. Their performances will also be closely examined as selectors consider how established players will fit alongside younger options during the build-up to the next World Cup.
Kohli’s preparation has additional relevance for London cricket followers. The batter is now based in the capital and has regularly used the facilities at Lord’s during gaps between his international and IPL commitments. The final match of the England series will be played at Lord’s on Sunday, 19 July.
England Name Team for Edgbaston Opener
England have confirmed their starting XI for the first ODI, which is scheduled to begin at 11am BST.
Jacob Bethell will open the batting with Ben Duckett, followed by Joe Root, captain Harry Brook and Jos Buttler. Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue and Adil Rashid complete the team.
Buttler is set to make his 200th ODI appearance for England, having made his debut against Pakistan in Dubai in February 2012.
After the Edgbaston opener, the series will move to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday, 16 July. The third and final ODI will take place at Lord’s three days later.
The opening match was listed as sold out by the England and Wales Cricket Board, while the board said the last remaining tickets were available for the Lord’s fixture.
India’s immediate attention, however, will be on whether the intensive net preparation undertaken by Kohli and Rohit can translate into runs. Their return gives Gill two of the most accomplished ODI batters of their generation as India attempts to begin the series strongly in Birmingham.
About the Journalist
Lucy reports on London’s boroughs and the capital’s sporting community. Her coverage includes council decisions, neighbourhood developments, community issues, football, tennis, cricket and major sporting events. She focuses on stories that connect local communities and highlight the people and organisations shaping London.
