Kohli to undergo fitness test ahead of England ODIs selection, Hardik begins light training
New Delhi, June 20
Virat Kohli is set to undergo a fitness assessment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence ahead of the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee convening to select India's squad for the upcoming ODI series in England, to be played from July 14-19 in Birmingham, Cardiff and Lord's.
It is understood that the selectors will meet in the coming week to decide the squad. Chief selector Agarkar was seen in Sri Lanka keeping an eye on India 'A' team playing the 50-over tri-series. Kohli missed the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury sustained in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, where he hit a match-winning 75 not out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Since then, Kohli has been doing rehab while being in London. "It has emerged that Kohli is expected to report to the BCCI CoE for his fitness assessment and clearance very soon. It can happen anytime after his One8 brand does its first-ever Global Premiere event in Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, on Sunday. If all goes well, then Kohli can be included for ODIs against England," said a source tracking the development to IANS on Saturday.
Seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, has resumed light training at the CoE facility in Bengaluru as he works his way back to full fitness after a late leg niggle kept him out of ODIs against Afghanistan. Pandya was at the COE since June 2 to get fitness clearance after a back niggle saw him miss a couple of games for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026.
It is understood that Pandya has resumed light training at the CoE 4-5 days back, after taking a week's break. "The intensity of his training will increase slowly in the next two days. His medical report will be submitted to the BCCI through the CoE medical team and on that basis, the selectors will probably take a call on his availability for ODIs in England.
"Basically, its upto the selectors and team management to decide - like will they wait for him to be fully match fit or not take him to England so that he builds up full fitness needed to play an ODI game," added the source.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm more excited about Hardik's comeback. We need his pace and power-hitting in England conditions, especially if Bumrah isn't playing. But let's be real—selectors should prioritize long-term fitness over immediate returns. One bad niggle can ruin an entire career.
As an overseas fan, I find the BCCI's rehab approach quite thorough. The CoE in Bengaluru is world-class. Having seen Kohli's work ethic up close in the IPL, I wouldn't be surprised if he passes the fitness test with flying colours. Can't wait to see him bat at Lord's again! 🏏
Why is the selection committee looking at Sri Lanka tri-series when we have urgent decisions to make? Typical BCCI confusion—Agarkar in Colombo, CoE in Bengaluru, Kohli in London. Meanwhile, the England series starts in 3 weeks. Clarity please! 😤
Great to see both stars recovering. But I hope the selectors don't just pick them based on reputation. If Kohli isn't 100%, give young players like Ruturaj or Jaiswal a chance. That's how we build depth. England tour is tricky—need everyone firing on all cylinders.
Hardik's fitness has been a concern for years now. He's a match-winner, no doubt, but his body just can't handle three formats. If I were the selectors, I'd manage his workload strictly—ODIs and T20Is only. Tests are out of question for him now. Ashish Nehra was right all along.