A quiet India practice session before the first ODI against England has become a talking point. Reports say Virat Kohli batted for a long spell in the nets and spoke in detail with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, who later had a separate chat with head coach Gautam Gambhir. Kohli and Gambhir, however, were not seen exchanging a word.
Gambhir was seen talking to senior players including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. Given the well-publicised on-field rivalry between Kohli and Gambhir from their IPL days, the absence of contact drew attention. Neither the team management nor the players have commented.
Kohli back from injury
The England series marks Kohli’s return to international cricket. He missed the Afghanistan series with a hamstring injury picked up in the IPL 2026 final for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he nevertheless scored an unbeaten 75 as RCB won a second straight title.
India arrive looking to recover from a tough T20I series in which England won 4-0.
Gill on the Kohli conversation
Shubman Gill was seen in a long discussion with Kohli during the session. Before the opener, Gill said they talked about long-term planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, including combinations, emerging players, bowling options, all-rounders and spinners.
Series schedule
The three ODIs start at Edgbaston on 14 July, move to Cardiff on 16 July and finish at Lord’s on 19 July. Kohli’s batting will be watched as closely as the talk off the field.
