Hardik Pandya Unavailable for England ODIs; Virat Kohli's Return Depends on CoE Assessment: Reports

India's preparations for the ODI series in England are looking a bit mixed right now as reports suggest, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has unfortunately been ruled out due to an injury, while senior batter Virat Kohli is in a race against time to make his return. Pandya, a crucial player for India in white-ball cricket, hasn't been able to meet the fitness standards needed for the 50-over format after dealing with a quadriceps injury during his rehab.

On the other hand, Kohli, who is India's most seasoned ODI batter, is on the mend from a right hamstring injury he picked up during the IPL 2026 final. He’s set to undergo a fitness assessment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on June 22, which will ultimately decide if he can

join the squad for the series starting on July 14.

According to journalist Abhishek Tripathi, "Hardik Pandya is out of the ODI series in England due to injury. Virat Kohli's fitness test will be held in England on June 22. After that, it will be known whether he will play in the ODI series against England or not."

हार्दिक पांड्या चोट के कारण इंग्लैंड में वनडे सीरीज से भी बाहर। विराट कोहली का फिटनेस टेस्ट 22 जून को बेंगलुरु में सीओई में होगा। उसके बाद पता चलेगा कि वह इंग्लैंड के विरुद्ध वनडे सीरीज खेलेंगे कि नहीं।#indiancricket

— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) June 20, 2026

Pandya's recent setback follows a lengthy rehabilitation journey. The 32-year-old has been training at the Center of Excellence since early June after dealing with a thigh injury, aiming for a comeback. Unfortunately, he hasn't yet reached the necessary bowling workload and conditioning levels needed for ODI cricket. Because of this, he will be sidelined for the three-match series in England and will continue focusing on his recovery.

 

On a brighter note, Kohli's situation looks more promising. The former India captain faced a distal semimembranosus tendon tear, a hamstring strain, while making an impressive unbeaten 75 during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2026 final win over the Gujarat Titans on May 31. This injury kept him out of the current ODI series against Afghanistan. However, his rehabilitation is going well, and the final call on his return now hinges on getting the green light from the CoE medical team.

Rohit Sharma and our Chair @JayShah pose with the @T20WorldCup and #ChampionsTrophy in Dubai, the morning after India made it consecutive triumphs in @ICC men’s events. pic.twitter.com/uUm6MlHpW2

— ICC (@ICC) March 10, 2025

Pandya's absence is a big deal for India's long-term plans in ODIs. The all-rounder is a key player as the team gears up for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is set to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October 4 to November 21, 2027. His dual role as a pace bowler and a lower-order batsman is vital for giving India the balance they need. Unfortunately, his ongoing fitness issues have made it tough for him to be consistently available.

The selectors have already been careful with his workload, limiting his play in certain formats. With the World Cup just around the corner, less than 18 months away - India will likely keep focusing on his recovery and fitness. At the same time, the team management is on the lookout for other all-round options like Nitish Kumar Reddy to ensure they have enough depth in the squad. On another note, Kohli's potential return could bring much-needed stability and experience to India's ODI lineup during this crucial phase of their preparations.