Virat Kohli set for stunning return: India to announce ODI squad for England series soon

India National Cricket Team

The selection committee is expected to announce India's squad for the upcoming tour of England this week, according to reports. The announcement will provide clarity on player availability, squad composition, and key selections ahead of the important overseas assignment.

India, led by Shubman Gill, are currently playing Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series. The first match was held at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday, June 13, where the hosts secured a seven-wicket victory. Notably, the remaining fixtures are scheduled in Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20.

India Set to Finalize Squad for ODI Tour of the United Kingdom

The national selectors are finalizing India's squad for the upcoming ODI tour of the United Kingdom. The selection committee is assessing player fitness after recent domestic competitions and will pick the right balance between experienced players and backup options while carefully managing workloads.

After the Afghanistan ODI series, India will travel to Belfast for two T20Is against Ireland on June 26 and June 28. The team will then head to England for a five-match T20I series scheduled from July 1 to July 11.

India will also play a three-match ODI series against England from July 14 to July 19. The squad for the UK tour is expected to be announced later this week during the final stages of the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan.

Virat Kohli Eyes Return After Positive Recovery Progress

Virat Kohli was ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan as he is recovering from a hamstring injury. The Indian team management is optimistic that the veteran batter will not face a lengthy spell on the sidelines and could return to action sooner than initially expected.

Kohli suffered the injury during the IPL 2026 final, which ruled him out of India's ongoing three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Following his withdrawal, the selectors added Yashasvi Jaiswal to the squad as his replacement.

Before the injury, Kohli played a key role in helping his franchise win its maiden IPL title. The star batter scored 675 runs in 16 matches during the campaign and was one of the team's standout performers.

India Test Bench Strength as Senior Stars Remain Unavailable

The Indian team management has made several adjustments due to the absence of key senior players in the ongoing series. The selectors have used the home assignment to assess bench strength and provide opportunities to young players at the international level.

India are leading the three-match ODI series 1-0 after defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in Dharamsala. Persistent rain delayed the start of the match and reduced it to 25 overs per side before India won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashing 102 off 51 balls. India debutants Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar impressed with three wickets each. Hardik Pandya missed the match, while Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the series.

India chased down the target with ease, reaching 195/3 in 22.5 overs. Captain Shubman Gill led the way with an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls, while Rohit Sharma featured in the playing XI despite Virat Kohli's absence.



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