Virat Kohli has officially received medical clearance to return to international cricket. On June 22, 2026, he completed all required physical assessments at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.The BCCI selection committee had already included Kohli in the 15-man squad for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) tour of England, but his spot was explicitly labeled "subject to fitness". With this clean bill of health, he is now fully locked into the touring side. Kohli sustained a right hamstring tear while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the final match of the IPL 2026 season against Gujarat Titans. Because of this hamstring strain, Kohli had to sit out India's recent home ODI series against Afghanistan, where Yashasvi Jaiswal stepped in to replace him.

Kohli spent the first phase of his recovery with his family in London. The BCCI sports science team actually sent a medical expert to the UK to check on him and design his custom training routine. He flew into Bengaluru just in time for his final tests. India's batting lineup gets a massive boost, which is especially vital since star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the England ODI series due to a separate quadriceps injury. The high-profile three-match ODI series will take place in England from July 14 to July 19, 2026, beginning with the first match at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

Hardik Pandya ruled out of ODI series against England, fresh bowlers to be tested in swing conditions

Hardik Pandya will miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against England due to a right quadriceps injury. He picked up the muscle strain during the recent home series against Afghanistan. The BCCI medical team at the Centre of Excellence ruled him out to prevent further damage.Pandya’s absence is a major blow to India’s team balance. He provides crucial explosive batting in the middle order and reliable fast-bowling overs.In his absence, the selectors have called up young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. This tour was seen as a big test for Pandya in English swing conditions. Now, he must focus entirely on his rehabilitation program to get fit for the upcoming home season.

India will test a fresh bowling attack in the upcoming ODI series against England. Selectors have picked young fast bowlers Harshit Rana and Gurnoor Brar to join the 15-man squad.These rising stars will get a massive chance to showcase their skills in England's famous swing conditions. English pitches traditionally assist bowlers who can move the ball in the air.Rana and Brar earned their spots after impressive performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. They will operate under the guidance of veteran speedster Jasprit Bumrah. This tour serves as a vital audition for India's future pace battery. The team management wants to build bench strength before major upcoming ICC tournaments.