Why is Virat Kohli not playing the first ODI match against England?

IND vs ENG 1st ODI Match: The first ODI match between India and England is being played on Thursday (February 6) at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur. England won the toss in this match and decided to bat first.

England announced their final playing 11 for the first ODI. Star batsman Joe Root is returning to the ODI team for the first time after the ODI World Cup 2023. At the same time, fast bowler Mark Wood has been rested. And Virat Kohli is also not part of the team. So let's know why Virat Kohli is not playing the first ODI against England?

Why is Virat Kohli not playing the first ODI match against England?: Young players Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana are making their debut, unfortunately Virat is not playing as he had a knee problem last night. Today Virat Kohli has a bandage on his right knee and was seen walking cautiously while joining the practice session with the team.

Rishabh Pant has not got a place in the team and KL Rahul is playing as a wicketkeeper. Team India has used 3 all-rounders. Mohammed Shami will lead the bowling department and he will be supported by Kuldeep Yadav and debutant Harshit Rana.

Rohit Sharma said at the time of toss: We wanted to bowl first, but it doesn't matter a lot. Need to be aggressive with the ball at the start and then need to do well later. Nice to get some time off, it's a fresh start and this is a great chance to do well. It's very important to get some gametime, try and maximize whatever opportunity we have. Jaiswal and Harshit are making their debuts, unfortunately, Virat isn't playing, he had a knee problem last night.

Team India's playing 11 in the first ODI against England

1. Rohit Sharma(c)
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. Shreyas Iyer
4. Shubman Gill
5. KL Rahul(w)
6. Hardik Pandya
7. Axar Patel
8. Ravindra Jadeja
9. Harshit Rana
10. Kuldeep Yadav
11. Mohammed Shami

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