With India and England set to begin a three-match ODI series, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli, who is set to don the Blue jersey after more than six months. Ahead of the first ODI, scheduled for July 14, Kohli was spotted grinding out in the nets under the watchful eyes of head coach Gautam Gambhir. While widespread reports claim that the duo has not been getting along for a long time, there were hardly any signs of an internal rift. However, Gambhir might not be happy with how Kohli’s net session ended.
Virat Kohli Clean Bowled By A Net Bowler Ahead Of India vs England 1st ODI
A video circulating on social media captured the Indian batting icon attempting a reverse sweep but completely missing the line. In the very next delivery, he was castled by a random net bowler, raising questions on his form. The clip also showed Kohli engaging in a serious discussion with India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.
Watch the video here:
“Is Gautam Gambhir putting Virat Kohli under pressure? During yesterday’s practice session, Gambhir was standing right beside Virat Kohli’s net, closely watching him. Virat and Gambhir haven’t spoken for a long time. Virat played a couple of awkward shots and then got clean… pic.twitter.com/An7tZBFTMK
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) July 14, 2026
The 37-year-old, who has struck more than 14,000 ODI runs in his illustrious career, hopes to continue till the 2027 World Cup. However, there has been a debate over his form, with several youngsters claiming his spot in the Indian top-order.
Kohli was impressive in the IPL this year. While RCB added the second title to their cabinet, the former captain aggregated 675 runs, including five half-centuries and one unbeaten hundred.
Virat Kohli Fitness Update
Coming back from a hamstring injury, Virat Kohli will look to make a strong comeback in national colours. As he was absent from the last ODI series against Afghanistan at home, Shreyas Iyer filled in at No. 3, while Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill opened the innings. Now that Kohli is back in the fold, he is expected to reclaim his place. He, however, will need to prove himself to cement the spot, with Gambhir looking to get his combinations right for the next ODI World Cup.
