Virat Kohli confirmed to play the second India vs England ODI? Vice-captain reveals

A long wait concluded when India took the field in Nagpur for the contest against England as ODIs returned to the scene. However, the format's comeback for India lacked a crucial element as Virat Kohli missed the opening India vs England ODI. Promising scenes emerged from India's net session ahead of the ODI, where Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were seen practicing. However, the former skipper sustained swelling in his right knee, rendering him unavailable for the match. Kohli's unavailability paved the way for the young Yashasvi Jaiswal to make his ODI debut. Moreover, the star of India's game in Nagpur, Shreyas Iyer, later revealed that his inclusion in the Indian Playing XI happened at the expense of Kohli's absence.

Shubman Gill confirms the availability of Virat Kohli for the second India vs England ODI

India laced their return to the 50-over format with a four-wicket win over the touring England side in the opening ODI of the three-match series. Scheduled right ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, the India vs England series provides a much-needed chance for the sides to find their perfect combination for the marquee event. However, the hosts' plans were hindered when their senior pick, Virat Kohli, experienced swelling in his right knee. In a last-moment scramble, the management added Shreyas Iyer to the mix as Yashasvi Jaiswal braced for his ODI debut. Despite the late shuffle, India's performance against England appeared seamless as vice-captain Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer made the chase look effortless.

However, Kohli's fans remained unsatisfied with the clash as the wait continues for his return to ODIs. A major injury update has since arrived, as Shubman Gill informed about the severity of Virat Kohli's injury. Dashing any possibilities of an extended absence, Gill noted that the issue with Kohli's knee is nothing serious. Moreover, the Player of the Match in the first ODI, Gill, further assured that the former skipper will positively join the Indian Playing XI for the second ODI against England, scheduled for February 9 in Cuttack.

"It's nothing serious. He (Kohli) was fine during yesterday's (Wednesday) practice, but he woke up with some swelling in his knee this morning (Thursday). He'll definitely be back for the second ODI," Gill updated about Virat Kohli ahead of the next fixture.

Meanwhile, the management faces a tricky task when Virat Kohli returns to the combination for the remaining matches. Going by Iyer's admission, India was initially looking to play either Virat Kohli or Shubman Gill at No. 4, accommodating the left-handed Yashasvi Jaiswal in the opening spot. However, now that Iyer has justified his place in the Playing XI with a fiery half-century in the first ODI, it would be a rather reckless decision to sit him out. But with Kohli's return, Iyer's skillful display, and the ICC Champions Trophy in sight, the management needs to cement a reliable batting order soon.