Virat Kohli’s long-awaited return to international cricket may still be subject to fitness clearance, but the former India captain has already got fans talking after a video of him training with ex-India batting coach Sanjay Bangar went viral on social media. With the England ODI series just around the corner, the footage has reignited excitement around Kohli’s return to the blue jersey.
The viral clip shows Kohli arriving at the training ground with his kit bag slung over his shoulder before being greeted by Bangar. The pair are later seen in a discussion at the centre of the ground, with the former India batting coach appearing to guide Kohli through an extended training session.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
Kohli was named in India’s 15-man squad for the three-match ODI series against England, although his participation remains subject to fitness clearance. The series, beginning on July 14, is expected to mark the return of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who now feature exclusively in ODI cricket after retiring from Tests and T20Is.
Reports suggest Kohli recently underwent an intensive training block in Alibaug and Mumbai alongside Bangar, focusing specifically on fine-tuning technical aspects of his batting ahead of the series.
KOHLI GEARS UP FOR ODI RETURN
Since stepping away from Test and T20I cricket, Kohli’s international calendar has become far lighter, making every ODI appearance a major event for Indian cricket supporters.
The England series will be his first international assignment since India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign and will also offer an early indication of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The training footage has therefore been viewed as an encouraging sign, with fans widely sharing clips of Kohli’s session and expressing excitement about seeing the batting great back in action.
Much of the attention centred on his prolonged conversations with Bangar, who worked closely with Kohli during one of the most successful phases of his international career. The former India batting coach was part of the national team’s support staff between 2014 and 2019, a period during which Kohli established himself as one of the world’s premier batters across formats.
RAJKUMAR SHARMA AWAITS KOHLI’S RETURN
Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma admitted that the anticipation surrounding the 37-year-old’s comeback extends far beyond his close circle.
“Definitely people are very excited and everybody is excited for Virat. The whole country wants to see him when he is back and, like others, I am also waiting for him to be on the field again,” Sharma said during the Delhi Premier League 2026 auction.
Sharma also revealed that he plans to travel to England for the final ODI at Lord’s and hopes Kohli can make a successful return.
“I’ll join him at Lord’s for the third match. I’ll go for the third ODI, but yes, I wish and pray that he does well and India does well in all three matches,” he added.
For now, India remain focused on the ongoing T20I series against England. But with Kohli back in the nets, working alongside a familiar face in Bangar, the countdown to his expected ODI return has already begun. Fans will now hope the hard work behind the scenes translates into another memorable chapter when India take the field later this month.
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