Kohli returns, Pandya misses out as India name ODI squad for England series; Prasidh added to Ireland T20I team
Mumbai, June 21
Virat Kohli returned to India's ODI setup while senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya was the notable absentee as the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Sunday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, beginning on July 16.
The Men's Selection Committee unveiled the squad, which will be led by Shubman Gill, with Shreyas Iyer named vice-captain. Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Kuldeep Yadav were also included in the squad, alongside returning stars Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah.
Kohli makes his comeback after missing the home ODI series against Afghanistan. The veteran batter was rested from that assignment after sustaining a right hamstring injury during his match-winning knock in the IPL 2026 final, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their title. However, his participation in the ODI series is subject to his fitness clearance.
Pandya's omission emerged as the biggest talking point from the squad announcement, although the BCCI did not provide any specific reason for his absence.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Gurnoor Brar retained his place after impressing during India's recent home assignments, while young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy continued to earn the selectors' backing.
In a separate development, the BCCI announced that pacer Prasidh Krishna has been added to India's T20I squad for the two-match series against Ireland. He replaced mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who remains sidelined while recovering from a left foot injury suffered during IPL 2026.
According to the BCCI, Chakaravarthy is in the final stages of rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (COE) and is yet to receive clearance for competitive cricket.
India's immediate assignment is the two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28. The Men in Blue will then take on England in a five-match T20I series before shifting focus to the ODI leg of the tour.
The three-match ODI series against England will begin at Edgbaston, followed by the second ODI in Cardiff on July 16. The final match of the series will be played at Lord's on July 19.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see Prasidh Krishna getting the nod for Ireland T20Is. He's been quite consistent in domestic and IPL. But why drop Varun Chakaravarthy? Injury is understandable, but mystery spinners are a key weapon for India in T20s. Hope he recovers soon. 🤞
Mixed feelings about this squad. Shubman Gill as captain is a bold move, but he's earned it. But I'm worried about the middle-order—if Kohli isn't fully fit, we might struggle against England's pace attack. And Pandya's absence? That's a massive gap if the pitch is bowler-friendly. 🙄
Honestly, I'm excited to see Nitish Kumar Reddy get more chances. He's been a revelation in domestic cricket and deserves this platform. Prasidh added for Ireland is also a smart move—pace is needed in those conditions. But BCCI should clarify Pandya's situation soon; fans deserve to know what's happening behind the scenes. 🧐
As a fan, I'm just happy Virat is back. He brings that aggression and experience which sometimes is missing in the young squad. But I wish Pandya was included. His all-round skills are irreplaceable in ODI format. BCCI better have a solid plan for the World Cup build-up. 🇮🇳🔥
Nice to see a fresh captain like Shubman Gill leading. But the real test will be how he handles pressure against England. Also, I'm a bit disappointed that Ishan Kishan and Axar Patel are in the
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