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Will Kohli's knee trouble derail India's Champions Trophy plans?

Last updated on: February 06, 2025 18:07 IST

Virat Kohli

IMAGE: It is understood that Virat Kohli didn't bat for a long time due to apparent discomfort during Wednesday's nets. Photograph: BCCI

A sore right knee forced Virat Kohli out of the first ODI against England in Nagpur on Thursday but the extent of the problem was not immediately clear.

The three-match ODI series against England is the final part of India's Champions Trophy preparations. However, they are already grappling with the lingering doubts around pace talisman Jasprit Bumrah's availability.

The Champions Trophy will start on February 19 in Pakistan with India playing all their matches in Dubai from February 20.

The management would hope that Kohli's knee injury is not too serious and he is good to go in the remaining two matches of the showdown against England. The second game is in Cuttack on February 9, followed by the third and final match in Ahmedabad on February 12.

"Unfortunately Kohli not playing, a right

knee problem that happened last night," skipper Rohit Sharma said at the toss, surprising everyone.

The BCCI, known for divulging only the bare minimum, came up with a one-line statement, which added nothing more to what Rohit had revealed.

"Virat Kohli was unavailable for selection for the 1st ODI due to a sore right knee," said an update from BCCI.

 

It is understood that Kohli didn't bat for a long time due to apparent discomfort during Wednesday's nets. On Thursday before the match, his right knee was seen heavily strapped when he came out to do some shuttle sprints.

He didn't look comfortable and hobbled a bit with physio Kamlesh Jain keeping a close watch on his movements.

The 36-year-old hasn't yet been taken for scans.

It will be interesting to see whether Kohli will leave for Bengaluru for a quick check-up at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) or accompany the team to Cuttack for the next game.

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