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With Team India kickstarting their preparations for the much-awaited ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 with the three-match ODI series against England, star Indian batter Virat Kohli missed a place in the Playing XI in the series opener in Nagpur due to swollen knee. While he did not feature in the India XI, he was seen on the sidelines of the match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday, February 6.
After India’s dominant four-wicket win in the opening match in Nagpur, the 36-year-old was spotted having a humorous chat with former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen, who is currently in India as part of the commentary panel. In the videos circulating widely on social media, Kohli was seen sharing a light-hearted conversation with Pietersen.
Virat Kohli shares light-heated conversation with Kevin Pietersen after India’s 4-wicket win in Nagpur
Kohli was seen pointing towards his knee brace, saying something which left the former England cricketer in laughter. On the other hand, the Indian batter appeared to be in high spirits as Pietersen jokingly swatted his hand away, which also left the crowd in some cheers as if they enjoyed the interaction between the to.
Watch the video of the hilarious interaction between Kohli and Pietersen:
Kohli’s absence from the opening ODI left fans and spectators at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium visibly disheartened. As they awaited him to take the field in the 50-over format after nearly six months, it came as a surprise as he was seen struggling with some knee issue. Notably, Virat Kohli last missed a match due to an injury in July 2022 during the first ODI against England.
However, he is likely to return in the second ODI, which is scheduled to be played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday, February 9. Rohit Sharma’s deputy Shubman Gill also shared a positive update on Kohli as he said, “When he woke up in the morning, he had some swelling in his knee. He was fine till yesterday’s practice session. There’s nothing to worry. He will definitely be fit for the next game.”
