Virat Kohli will miss the first ODI (Source:AP)
In a major development, Virat Kohli has been ruled out of India’s first ODI against England at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium due to right knee soreness. The news was confirmed by captain Rohit Sharma at the toss, where England opted to bowl first.
Virat Kohli Misses 1st ODI England Due to Knee Soreness
Kohli’s absence has sparked widespread speculation among fans, especially after he was seen practicing ahead of the match. While official reports cite injury concerns, many believe there could be other reasons behind the decision. Social media erupted with mixed reactions, with some fans questioning whether it was Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir’s call to bench Kohli.
Adding to the intrigue, India handed ODI debuts to Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana, marking a significant shift in the team’s approach. With Kohli being a crucial pillar of India’s batting lineup, his absence in the first match has raised concerns about his fitness.
Take A Look At Few Twitter Reactions
Many fans also speculated that there might be strategic reasons regarding his absence. Fans did not hold back and made brutal comments aimed at Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, and the team management.
It is important to mention that, the severity of Kohli's injury remains under wraps. However, it appears that the that the team is keen to exercise caution, opting not to rush Kohli back into the lineup, especially with the Champions Trophy just knocking at the door.