Intro
Star batter back after injury as selectors unveil squad for England series.
New Delhi
Returning star batter Virat Kohli headlined India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against England, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya was a notable absentee from the team announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday.
The Men’s Selection Committee retained Shubman Gill as captain, with Shreyas Iyer continuing as vice-captain. Senior players Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan also found places in the squad for the crucial series beginning next month.
Kohli returns to the national setup after missing the home ODI series against Afghanistan. The former India captain had suffered a right hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their title. However, his participation in the England series remains subject to fitness clearance from the medical team.
Pandya’s omission emerged as the biggest talking point following the squad announcement. The BCCI did not provide any official explanation for leaving out the experienced all-rounder, sparking speculation among cricket followers.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Gurnoor Brar retained his place after impressing in recent domestic and international outings. Young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy also continued to enjoy the confidence of the selectors as India looks to build a balanced squad ahead of future assignments.
In a separate development, pacer Prasidh Krishna was drafted into India’s T20 International squad for the two-match series against Ireland, replacing mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. The spinner is still recovering from a left foot injury sustained during IPL 2026 and has not yet been cleared for competitive action despite nearing the end of his rehabilitation programme at the Centre of Excellence.
India will first play two T20Is against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28, followed by a five-match T20I series against England. The ODI leg begins at Edgbaston on July 16, with the second match in Cardiff and the series finale at Lord’s on July 19.