Revealed: Why is Virat Kohli not playing today's match against England?

Team India star batter Virat Kohli hasn't been included in the Rohit Sharma-led team’s playing XI for the first ODI of the three-match series against England at home. Virat Kohli was unavailable for selection as he sustained a knee spasm just one day before the series opener against the Jos Buttler-led team.

Jos Buttler won the toss and chose to bat first in the opening ODI at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on February 6. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana are making their ODI debuts for India today, with the cap presentation completed as the team continues with their pre-match preparations.

Virat Kohli Has Got A Knee Problem In His Right Leg - Rohit Sharma

Virat Kohli was seen with a strapping around his right knee, walking cautiously as he joined the team. During the toss, captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana are making their debuts. He added Kohli was left out due to a knee issue he experienced the previous night.

"Jaiswal is making his Debut and so is Harshit. Unfortunately Virat Kohli is not going to play, he has got a knee problem in his right leg, that happened last night which was very unfortunate," Rohit said (via CREX).

Yashasvi Jaiswal was listed to open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma in the team sheet. Shubman Gill, who would have opened had Virat Kohli been fit, is positioned at No. 4. However, it's unclear if the batting order will remain as planned.

India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami

It Doesn't Really Matter What Happens At The Toss - Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma said that it doesn’t matter what happens at the toss and the key is to perform well with whatever they are given.

"I would have bowled first. We wanted to bowl first today but again, it doesn't really matter what happens at the toss. You need to get the job done with whatever you are given. We know now that we have to come out with the ball in hand so we want to be aggressive with the ball at the start and then see what happens after that.

We Want To Do Our Best In All Three Departments - Rohit Sharma

Rohit added that they are aiming to perform well in all three departments as they prepare for the Champions Trophy.

"Yeah absolutely, we had a decent break. It is always nice to get sometime off and then reflect back on what happened in the past. Our focus is now back on this series, it is going to be a great series. This presents us great opportunities and we want to play our best cricket."

"Yes absolutely, we have hardly played in this format since the World Cup. We want to do our best in all the three departments and be well prepared ahead of the Champions Trophy."

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