Why Is Virat Kohli Not Playing in 1st ODI vs England?:

Nagpur, February 6, 2025 – India is taking on England in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. In a surprising turn of events, Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the match due to a sore right knee, as confirmed by captain Rohit Sharma at the toss.

Why Is Virat Kohli Not Playing?

Rohit Sharma revealed at the toss that Kohli suffered a knee issue on the eve of the match.
He has been rested as a precaution, with the Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon.
The extent of the injury remains unknown, and further updates are awaited.

Who Is Playing in Place of Virat Kohli?

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been handed an ODI debut, taking Kohli’s place in the XI.
Jaiswal is set to open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma in India’s chase.
As a result, Shubman Gill will move down to No. 3, a position he regularly plays in Test cricket.

Harshit Rana Set for ODI Debut

India has also given a debut cap to young fast bowler Harshit Rana, who will lead the pace attack alongside Mohammed Shami.

Mohammed Shami returns to ODI cricket for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final.
KL Rahul takes the gloves as the first-choice wicketkeeper, replacing Rishabh Pant.
Varun Chakravarthy, who was a late addition to the squad, misses out on selection.

India’s Playing XI for the 1st ODI vs England

Rohit Sharma (c)
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Debut)
Shubman Gill (vc)
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul (wk)
Hardik Pandya
Axar Patel
Ravindra Jadeja
Kuldeep Yadav
Harshit Rana (Debut)
Mohammed Shami