Kolkata : Indian ODI vice captain Shubman Gill has provided major update on Indian talisman Batter Virat Kohli’s availability in 2nd ODI against England on February 9, 2025 at Cuttack.
Virat Kohli was ruled out ahead of 1st ODI at Nagpur due to knee injury. Although India won the match, Kohli missed yet another chance to get Match practice ahead of Champions Trophy starting from February 19, 2025.
Kohli was seen having a late fitness test to prove that he could play the game but, ultimately, he was unlucky to miss out. Yashasvi Jaiswal came into the side in Kohli’s place and Gill batted at No.3 as India won the match by 4 wickets in the end to take a 1-0 lead. Speaking to the broadcaster after the match, Gill said that Kohli had some swelling in his knee in the morning and he was fine until practice on the eve of the match.
Gill updated that, Kohli will be fit and available in the match and there’s no signs of worries.
“When he woke up in the morning, he had some swelling in his knee. He was fine till yesterday’s practice session. There’s nothing to worry. He will definitely be fit for the next game,” said Gill.
Incoming of Kohli means changes in Batting order. Gill, who often opens the innings in ODIs and plays at no 3 in Tests, claimed he had no trouble coming at no 3 in the series against England.
“I play at No. 3 in Tests, so it wasn’t a big adjustment. It’s always a challenge at that position because you have to adapt to the game situation. If the team loses quick wickets, you need to play sensibly. If the team starts well, you need to carry the momentum. My approach was simple – play according to the situation.”
