Batting superstar Virat Kohli will not feature in India’s playing XI for the first ODI against England in Nagpur today after picking up a knee issue on match eve. India have brought in Yashasvi Jaiswal as his replacement who makes his ODI debut.

“…unfortunately Virat isn’t playing, he had a knee problem last night," informed India captain Rohit Sharma during the toss.

As per reports, the 36-year-old former India captain has soreness in his right knee which was heavily strapped.

Alongside Jaiswal, right-arm fast bowler Harshit Rana has also been given ODI debut.

India are already sweating over the fitness of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah who suffered back spasms during the final Test of India’s Australia tour last month. He has since been out of action with captain Rohit Sharma revealing the team is awaiting the result of a scan following which a call will be taken whether the pacer will feature in the third ODI of the England series.

Kohli warmed up alongside India teammates and was present during the team huddle as well. This is the first time since July 2022 that the batting superstar is missing an ODI due to an injury.

The late development means India have to made changes to their batting line-up with Jaiswal walking in place of Kohli. The hosts have also preferred KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper-batter in place of Rishabh Pant for the series opener.

Legspinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who was added to the squad couple of days before, is also expected to be given a go as the series progresses.

Mohammed Shami, who recently returned from a long injury layoff, is playing in his first ODI since the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

Meanwhile, England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to bat first at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.

The second ODI will be played in Cuttack while the third in Ahmedabad.

Source: News18