Virat Kohli is set to undergo a fitness test on June 22 while Hardik Pandya has reportedly been ruled out of India’s three-match ODI series against England.
The update, reported by The Times of India, leaves India waiting on one senior batter while losing a major all-round option before July’s white-ball assignment.
Pandya’s absence is attributed to a quadriceps injury, extending a difficult fitness spell for one of India’s most important limited-overs players. Kohli, meanwhile, is expected to be considered subject to clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
India wait on Kohli before England selection call
The timing matters because India are preparing for a short but high-profile ODI series in England, where balance will be central to selection. Pandya gives India seam-bowling depth and middle-order power when fit, so his absence narrows the squad’s flexibility.
Kohli’s case is different. If he clears the June 22 assessment, India regain an experienced top-order option before travelling. If not, selectors will have to protect him and lean harder on the alternatives already being tested around the side.
For England, the news sharpens the early series picture: India’s batting could still be reinforced by Kohli, but their all-round structure has already taken a hit.
The next checkpoint is now clear: Kohli’s assessment on Monday will shape how settled India’s senior core looks before the squad is finalised.
