turned Kohli is set to begin what could be his final ODI tour of England as India take on the hosts in the first ODI at Edgbaston on Tuesday. The match also marks an important personal milestone for the big batsman, who will play his 300th ODI for India.Ahead of the series opener, England head coach Brendon McCullum paid glowing tribute to Kohli, describing him as one of cricket’s greatest ambassadors whose legacy will outlive his playing career.McCullum, who shared the Royal Challengers Bengaluru dressing room with Kohli during the IPL, reflected on the Indian star’s relentless competitiveness and global influence.“I had the privilege of playing with him for a year at RCB. I got to share the dressing room with him, got to know him and enjoyed his company a lot. He is a highly competitive person and leaves nothing out of the field. He plays with all his heart and is a tremendous cricketer,” McCullum said in the video shared by ECB on X, ahead of the first ODI.“He inspired generations of people to love cricket. He is one of those actors who transcends the sport. He has become a true rockstar, not only in cricket or India, but in the world and in various 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 also wish he doesn’t make runs in this series! But we wish him well. He is a fierce competitor and an absolute champion.”
Kohli returns to his favorite format
After missing the Afghanistan ODIs, Kohli returns to India’s ODI set-up 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 a century and four fifties, with a highest score of 107. Kohli is also on the verge of another important step. He needs 68 more runs to overtake Rahul Dravid and become India’s highest run scorer in ODIs in England.
India eyes fresh start after T20I disappointment
India enter the ODI series looking to bounce back after suffering a 4-0 defeat in the previous T20I series. With senior 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 with the match 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)