There is encouraging news for Indian cricket fans as Virat Kohli appears to be on track for a return to international action. The veteran batter, who missed the recently concluded ODI series against Afghanistan due to injury, is reportedly recovering faster than expected and could soon rejoin the national squad.
Kohli sustained a right hamstring strain while representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final on May 31. Following the injury, the selectors opted to rest him for the Afghanistan ODI series to ensure a complete recovery and avoid any long-term complications.
His absence opened the door for young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was included in the squad as a replacement.
Rehabilitation Progress Positive
According to updates from the BCCI's medical and sports science team, Kohli's recovery has been highly encouraging. The rehabilitation process initially took place under expert supervision at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) setup in London, where the Indian star reportedly responded exceptionally well to treatment and conditioning programs.
Medical experts have monitored his workload carefully, focusing on strengthening exercises, running drills, and match-specific fitness routines to prepare him for a return to competitive cricket.
Sources close to the team suggest that Kohli has shown no major setbacks during recovery, increasing optimism about his availability for the upcoming England tour.
Final Fitness Test Scheduled for June 22
The next major step in Kohli's comeback journey will come on June 22, when he reports to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a final fitness assessment.
This evaluation will determine whether he is ready to resume full cricketing activities. The fitness test is expected to include sprinting exercises, agility drills, endurance checks, and match-intensity workload assessments.
Only after successfully clearing these tests will Kohli receive official medical clearance to return to international cricket.
Cricket experts believe the chances of him passing the assessment are extremely high given the positive progress reported during his rehabilitation.
England ODI Series Likely Comeback Destination
If Kohli receives clearance from the BCCI medical team, his return is expected to come during India's three-match ODI series against England.
The series is scheduled to be played from July 14 to July 19, with matches set to take place in Birmingham, Cardiff, and London. The England tour is viewed as a crucial assignment for Team India as preparations continue for future ICC events.
Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar has also expressed confidence that Kohli will regain full fitness in time for the series, further strengthening expectations of his return.
For India, Kohli's availability would provide a major boost to the batting lineup, bringing experience, stability, and leadership to a squad that continues to blend youth with seasoned performers.
Kohli's Long-Term Goals Remain Unchanged
Despite being 37 years old, Kohli continues to maintain elite fitness standards. Recently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru CEO Rajesh Menon praised the former captain's dedication, stating that his passion for cricket and commitment to fitness remain as strong as ever.
Menon suggested that Kohli still has several years of top-level cricket left in him and could comfortably continue playing for another three to four years.
One of Kohli's biggest ambitions reportedly remains representing India at the 2027 ODI World Cup, a goal that continues to motivate him during training and recovery.
Looking Ahead
With his rehabilitation progressing smoothly and a crucial fitness test approaching, all signs point toward a successful return for Virat Kohli. Indian fans will now eagerly await the results from Bengaluru, hoping to see one of the country's greatest batters back in action against England next month.