IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli Fit For Second ODI Against England

IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli, the star Indian batsman who missed the first ODI against England due to a knee injury, is fully fit and ready to play in the second ODI scheduled to be held in Cuttack. Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak announced Kohli fit to feature on the eve of the game, assuring both fans and the team that the ace player had recovered and was okay to go. “Yes, Kohli is fit, he will practice with us today,” Cotak said.

Kohli Resumes Practice

Speculation had been rife over Kohli’s fitness following the absence of the star batsman from the first ODI after suffering from a knee swelling on the eve of the match in Nagpur. However, Kohli silenced all those doubts about his physical condition when he resumed practice before the second ODI. On Saturday evening, Kohli was welcomed by about 20,000 fans as he came out to bat. The reception was very enthusiastic and a reflection of his popularity and the buzz created after his return.

During the practice session, Kohli started with short sprints, notably without any straps or protective gear on his knee. His movements looked normal, and he seemed to be running along with full rhythm as proof of recovery. After running for nearly seven to eight minutes, Kohli practiced batting by facing several bowlers, including Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and some local players.

In the nets, Kohli was seen adopting a cautious approach to deliveries outside the off-stump, either leaving them or playing them carefully. However, whenever he drove the ball, most of the shots were well-timed and cleanly struck. Kohli’s batting session lasted nearly an hour, and during that time, he appeared confident and in good touch. Kohli seems to be in a clear head and well-planned game while playing, facing a few uncomfortable moments during those challenging deliveries.

No Kohli for the First IND vs ENG ODI

Kohli’s exclusion from the first ODI prompted questions about his fitness, in particular after swelling in the knee had kept him out. As Kohli couldn’t play, Shreyas Iyer came into the playing XI. The latter had actually confessed to the broadcasters after the match that he wasn’t the one scheduled for the game; Kohli’s injury had called for a reshuffle.

Team Selection for the Second ODI

With Kohli likely to come back for the second ODI, the batting line-up is likely to see a change. If it’s Yashasvi Jaiswal who would sit out, then it’s Shubman Gill, who batted at number three last match, who might be shifted to the opening slot along with captain Rohit Sharma. Conversely, if Shreyas Iyer is left out, Kohli could come in at number three, and Gill could shift to number four. The final team combination would be decided by the team management depending on their preference and strategy.

Kohli’s Form and Career Milestone

The injury in Nagpur had seen Kohli sitting out of ODI cricket for longer than expected. He last played an ODI in the match against Sri Lanka in August last year. Underwhelming performances in the last few months, especially during India’s tour of Australia, have not deterred Kohli from working on his form.

His weaknesses against deliveries outside the off stump were a matter of concern for some time, forcing him to spend technical sessions with former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar. Apart from that, Kohli played Ranji Trophy for Delhi, which gave him some kind of practice before returning to action.

Kohli’s return is greatly awaited. He is only 94 runs shy of becoming the third player to amass 14,000 runs in ODIs. If he hits this milestone, he will also become the first player to do so, creating another landmark moment in cricket.

Looking Ahead: India’s ODI Series and Champions Trophy

The three-match ODI series against England is just the beginning for India, as the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to start on February 19. Kohli’s fitness and form were crucial issues before the series commenced, and now they will also define India’s World Cup prospects.

Kohli’s return to the side gives India much-needed stability and experience, especially in the middle order, as the team prepares for the challenges that lie ahead.

The second ODI at Cuttack will be crucial for India. The team hopes to win, and the batting star will return for the game. The whole cricketing world will be keeping their eyes on Kohli’s performance as he returns to try to regain his lost form in limited overs.

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