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Virat Kohli celebrated India’s emphatic four-wicket victory over England in the first ODI with Hardik Pandya, despite not being part of the playing XI.
Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya celebrate after India beat England in 1st ODI (X)
Virat Kohli injured his right knee during practice on Wednesday evening and therefore was withdrawn from the first one-day-international between India and England at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
The injury suffered by senior batter Virat Kohli ahead of Thursday’s first ODI against England here may turn out to be a minor setback for India as the injury does not look serious and the former India captain is likely to be back in the next match. Though both the Indian team management and Kohli himself would feel disappointed in losing the opportunity to play the match, the injury seems minor. BCCI said in an official update that Kohli was unavailable for selection in the first ODI in Nagpur due to a sore right knee.
Kohi was on the field with his teammates soon after they arrived at the stadium, warming up for the first ODI though with a strapping or kneecap on his right knee. This proves the injury is not very serious and may not require him to miss more matches.
There were also some unconfirmed reports early in the morning that allrounder Hardik Pandya was taken to the hospital on Wednesday night after he complained of stomach pain. However, the Indian team management did not confirm anything. In the end, Pandya was included in the squad, and it was Kohli who had to sit out.
In the end, Kohli absence did not matter as Shubman Gill led India to a four-wicket victory over England after a strong bowling performance from the hosts. Chasing just 249 for victory without Kohli, India lost their openers early on. But Shreyas Iyer, who hit 59, counter-attacked in a 94-run stand with Gill, who made 87, as India chased down their target with 11.2 overs to spare.
Kohli and Pandya, along with Ravindra Jadeja, looked in high spirits as the trio celebrated India’s comanding win as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series that is a warmup for the Champions Trophy.
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The second ODI takes place in Cuttack on Sunday before the final match in Ahmedabad on February 12. It will be followed by the eight-team Champions Trophy beginning February 19 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
(With inputs from Agencies)
- Location :
Nagpur, India, India
