Kohli, however, missed India's three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after sustaining a hamstring injury. The injury occurred during his match-winning innings of 75 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2026 final last month. Since then, the 37-year-old has remained out of action and has focused on his recovery.
In a major boost for Indian cricket supporters, Kohli is expected to return to international cricket during the three-match ODI series against England, which begins at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 14. Before becoming eligible for selection, the former captain is required to report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence for a fitness assessment and medical clearance.
According to a Board of Control for Cricket in India source quoted by The Times of India, Kohli has already started his rehabilitation programme and the injury is healing rapidly. The source stated that he is expected to report to the Centre of Excellence for his fitness assessment and clearance soon. The source further added that if his recovery continues as planned, Kohli is likely to return to the national team for the upcoming England series.
Kohli is also approaching another major milestone in his illustrious career. The star batter requires only 203 runs to become the second player after Sachin Tendulkar to complete 15,000 runs in One-Day International cricket. He already holds the record for the most centuries in ODI history, surpassing Tendulkar with 54 hundreds and 77 half-centuries in 311 matches.
His performances in ODI cricket have remained outstanding. In 2026, Kohli has scored 240 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 105.26. During 2025, he amassed 651 runs in 13 matches at an average of 65.1, including three centuries and four half-centuries.
Kohli also played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful campaign as the franchise secured a second consecutive Indian Premier League title. He accumulated 675 runs in 16 matches during the 2026 season. Reports also stated that Kohli consulted renowned specialist Dr Dinshaw Pardiwalla at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai regarding his injury management.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India selectors are expected to announce the ODI squad for the England tour within the next few days. Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the selection committee meeting to finalise India's squad for the England series will take place within the next three to four days. Earlier this month, the selectors had announced the squad for the five-match Twenty20 International series, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi receiving his maiden call-up.
The three-match ODI series against England will be played from July 14 to July 19, with matches scheduled in Birmingham, Cardiff and Lord's. Kohli's expected return not only strengthens India's preparations for the England tour but also represents a significant step in his journey towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, where the veteran batter hopes to add another major achievement to his remarkable career.
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