Virat Kohli returns for England ODIs, Hardik Pandya dropped from squad

Virat Kohli has returned to India's ODI squad for the England series, while Hardik Pandya has been dropped. The 15-member team will be led by Shubman Gill, with Shreyas Iyer as his deputy. Kohli's inclusion is subject to fitness.

India's ODI Squad for England Series Announced

Virat Kohli returned to India's ODI setup while senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya was the notable absentee as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, beginning on July 16.

The Men's Selection Committee unveiled the squad, which will be led by Shubman Gill, with Shreyas Iyer named vice-captain. Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Kuldeep Yadav were also included in the squad, alongside returning stars Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah.

Kohli's Return Subject to Fitness

Kohli makes his comeback after missing the home ODI series against Afghanistan. The veteran batter was rested from that assignment after sustaining a right hamstring injury during his match-winning knock in the IPL 2026 final, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their title. However, his participation in the ODI series is subject to his fitness clearance.

Pandya's Omission and Youngsters' Inclusion

Pandya's omission emerged as the biggest talking point from the squad announcement, although the BCCI did not provide any specific reason for his absence. Meanwhile, fast bowler Gurnoor Brar retained his place after impressing during India's recent home assignments, while young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy continued to earn the selectors' backing.

Changes to T20I Squad for Ireland

In a separate development, the BCCI announced that pacer Prasidh Krishna has been added to India's T20I squad for the two-match series against Ireland. He replaced mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who remains sidelined while recovering from a left foot injury suffered during IPL 2026. According to the BCCI, Chakaravarthy is in the final stages of rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (COE) and is yet to receive clearance for competitive cricket.

India's Upcoming Schedule

India's immediate assignment is the two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28. The Men in Blue will then take on England in a five-match T20I series before shifting focus to the ODI leg of the tour.

The three-match ODI series against England will begin at Edgbaston, followed by the second ODI in Cardiff on July 16. The final match of the series will be played at Lord's on July 19.

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