Virat Kohli is expected to start his final ODI tour of England when India take on their hosts in the first ODI at Edgbaston on Tuesday. The match also marks a big stage for the senior batsman, who is set to play his 300th ODI for India.Ahead of the series, England head coach Brendon McCullum paid tribute to Kohli, describing him as one of cricket’s greatest captains whose legacy will continue beyond his playing career.McCullum, who shared the Royal Challengers Bengaluru dressing room with Kohli during the IPL, highlighted the Indian star’s relentless competitiveness and international appeal.“I had the chance to play with him for one year at RCB. I started sharing the dressing room with him, I got to know him and I really enjoyed being with him. He is a very competitive person and leaves nothing on the field. He plays with all his heart and is a great bowler,” McCullum said in a video shared with ECB on X, ahead of the first ODI.“He inspired generations of people to love cricket. He is one of the players who transcends the game. He has become a true rockstar, not only in cricket or India, but all over the world and different sports. When his time is over, his legacy will live long after he played the game,” he added. McCullum, however, finished with a smile, adding: “I still wish he didn’t just run this series! But we wish him the best.
Kohli returns to his favorite form
After missing the Afghanistan ODIs, Kohli is returning to India for the ODI preparations for the three-match series against England. The 37-year-old has an impressive record in England, scoring 581 runs in 16 ODIs at an average of 38.73, including one hundred and fifty, with a top score of 107. Kohli is also close to another milestone. He needs 68 more runs to overtake Rahul Dravid and become India’s highest run-scorer in ODIs in England.
India looked for the first time after the T20I disappointment
India enter the ODI series looking to bounce back from a 4-0 defeat in the previous T20I series. With big players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning, the visitors will be hoping to make a strong start to their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.The first ODI will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, and the match is scheduled to start at 3:30 PM IST (11:00 AM local time).
- 2nd ODI: July 16 – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (5:30 PM IST)
- 3rd ODI: July 19 – Lord’s, London (3:30 PM IST)
