Virat Kohli Misses First ODI Against England Due to Knee Injury

Virat Kohli was ruled out of India's first ODI against England in Nagpur due to a sore right knee, raising concerns about the fitness of senior players as the team prepares for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Kohli's absence marks a rare instance of missing a game due to injury, with Rohit Sharma confirming that the injury is not serious and he is expected to return for the next match. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana made their ODI debuts in Kohli's place, as India opted for a balanced lineup with three pacers and an all-rounder. England won the toss and chose to bat first in the match, which is part of a three-game series that serves as crucial preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Kohli's last ODI absence was during the 2023 Asia Cup against Bangladesh, making this a notable event in his career. The team's performance in this series will be critical as they seek to refine their skills ahead of the prestigious tournament.