Cricket fans were shocked on Thursday afternoon after Rohit Sharma announced on the toss, prior to the 1st India vs England ODI, that Virat Kohli would not play the game. Prior to the Champions trophy, the three ODIs against England are the only match in the format for the side led by Rohit Sharma. Because Kohli misses one of the competitions, his preparation time for the Champions trophy has been hit. A painful right knee forced Virat Kohli from the first ODI against England in Nagpur on Thursday, but the size of the problem was not immediately clear.
“Something went wrong last night,” said former India Wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta while he commented.
Then Ravi Shastri added: “I heard that there was swelling in his knee.”
With the current series, India came in the final phase of his champions Trophy preparations and the side is already struggling with the persistent doubts about the availability of Pace Talisman Jasprit Bumrah.
The Champions trophy starts on February 19 in Pakistan, with India playing all their matches in Dubai from February 20.
The management would hope that Kohli's knee injury is not too serious and he is good to be in the remaining two games of confrontation against England. The second game is in Cuttack on 9 February, followed by the Series final in Ahmedabad on 12 February.
“Unfortunately, Kohli does not play, a right knee problem that happened last night,” said skipper Rohit Sharma at the Worp and surprise everyone.
The BCCI, known for unveiling only the absolute minimum, came with a statement from one line, which no longer added to what Rohit had revealed.
“Virat Kohli was not available for selection for the 1st ODI because of a painful right knee, the board update was.
It is understood that Kohli did not hit long because of apparent discomfort during Wednesday's nets. On Thursday before the game, his right knee was heavily tied when he came out to do some shuttle sprints.
He didn't look comfortable and bumped a bit with Physio Kamlesh Jain, who kept a close eye on his movements.
The 36-year-old has not yet been taken for scans.
It will be interesting to see if Kohli leaves for Bengaluru for a quick check at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) or the team accompany Cuttack for the next game.
With PTI inputs
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