India’s batting coach Satanshu Kok confirmed its availability on the eve of the match. “Kohli is fit, yes, he is practicing with us today,” Kotak said in Cuttack. “He is good to go.”
Kohli went into the train with the squad for an hour on Saturday evening, seen by a strong crowd of spectators. He began with a small sprint, without any strapping on his feet, moving easily. After a 7-8 minute race, he batted in the nets and did not seem banned in his footwork.
With Kohli now fit, it remains to be seen how India teased their line-up to bring him back. If Jaiswal is pushed, Shubman Gill, who batted at number 3 and scored 87 runs, can move forward to open, leaving the number 3 location for Kohli. If the Shres is pushed, Kohli and Gill can bat at Nos 3 and 4.
Kohli has not played an ODI since the visit to Sri Lanka in August last year. The Champions Trophy is the last 50 over assignment of India against England before starting on February 19. His form has been investigated in recent months, and after a poor tour in Australia, where all his dismissal was on the side of the wicketkeeper or slip, he spent a week working with East India and RCB batting coach Sanjay Bangar. He then played a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi – his first presence in the competition after 2012 – where he was bowled for 6 against Railways.











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