Virat Kohli Kohli missed the first ODI series due to a groin injury.
Former Indian left-arm spin bowler Pragyan Ojha said that if Virat Kohli misses the second ODI against England on Thursday (July 14), then there's something bigger than a "niggle" that he is going through.
Kohli missed the opening match of the ongoing three-match ODI series against England on July 12 after suffering a groin injury during the third T20I in Birmingham. However, Kohli is expected to be back for the second ODI to be played on July 14 at Lord’s, but if not, then his injury may be worse, said Ojha.
Pragyan Ojha said on Cricbuzz: “(If fit), Virat should play. I had heard that he would not be available for the first ODI but will be available for the second and third game. I feel it was more a case of a precaution than injury, so the niggle doesn’t get worse.”
He added, “However if Kohli doesn’t play the next game, it would be more than a niggle. The groin injury might be a bit deeper than what has been reported.”
Ojha further said that Kohli should replace Shreyas Iyer in India’s playing XI for the second ODI against England if he is fit to play at Lord’s.
Ojha signed off by saying, “It would be interesting to see who goes out if Kohli comes in, just in case he is fit. According to me, the choice would be between Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav. Kohli should replace Shreyas Iyer. Suryakumar is playing really well. His form should not be disturbed. In-form players should be in the team.”