Virat Kohli (Source: AFP)The wait for Virat Kohli's return to international cricket appears to be coming to an end. It is important to note that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not made a direct announcement regarding the former India captain's fitness.However, the latest squad update for the IND vs ENG ODIs has provided a strong indication that Kohli is ready for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England.Currently, Team India, under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, is playing against England in a five-match T20I series.After the T20I series, the Indian Team will play in a three-match ODI series which begins on July 14 in Birmingham. The second ODI will be played on July 16 in Cardiff, while the third and final match is scheduled for July 19 at Lord's.When And How Did Virat Kohli Injure Himself?Virat Kohli suffered a serious hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final on May 31 while representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.The injury was later identified as a rare distal semi-membranosus tendon tear, affecting the lower hamstring tendon near the back of his knee. The tear occurred close to the tendon's attachment point near the inner shinbone, making it more complicated than a regular hamstring strain.Also Read: Asia Cup 2027 Confirmed: How Many Matches Does Virat Kohli Have To Break 100 Centuries Record?Due to injury Kohli was ruled out of India's three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in June.Given the nature of the injury, there were concerns over whether Kohli would recover in time for the England series.Is Virat Kohli Fit To Play IND vs ENG ODIs?Kohli also travelled to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on June 22 for a detailed fitness assessment. According to multiple media reports, including Sports Tak, the 37-year-old successfully cleared all the required fitness tests.Although the BCCI has not released an official statement confirming his fitness, the latest squad announcement has provided a major clue. When India's ODI squad for the England series was first announced, Kohli's name carried a star mark along with the note 'subject to fitness clearance.'However, when the BCCI announced India's 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, the same note and star mark were removed from Kohli's name in the ODI squad list.Therefore, we reckon that Virat has recovered and is fit to play the much-awaited IND vs ENG ODIs.Meanwhile, the selection committee also confirmed that Shivam Dube has replaced the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's ODI squad against England.India's updated ODI squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Shivam DubeWhy IND vs ENG ODIs Is Important For Virat Kohli?The upcoming ODI series against England could play a crucial role in Virat Kohli’s preparations for the future and the ODI World Cup 2027.The England series will give Kohli an opportunity to regain match rhythm after spending several weeks away from cricket. It will also help the team management assess his fitness and form against strong opposition.Taking a look at Virat Kohli's numbers in England, the star player has played 33 matches in England and has made 1349 runs at an average of 51.88 and a strike rate of 91.21. Also Read: IND vs ENG Pitch Report, Weather Report Of Trent Bridge, Nottingham For 3rd T20I 2026
