Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Reunite in ODI Camp as India Begins 2027 World Cup Build-Up Against England

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have returned to the ODI fold for the first time since January, linking up at the training nets ahead of a three-match series against England that opens at Edgbaston on July 14. Footage shared on social media captured the veteran duo in relaxed conversation during preparations at the Birmingham venue.

Both players now concentrate solely on the 50-over format and will next feature once the ongoing five-match T20I series against England concludes. Their reintegration marks a pivotal step in India’s roadmap toward the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, scheduled for South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October 4 to November 21, 2027. The England assignment serves as a vital benchmark for the side’s tournament readiness.

In their last ODI outing, India fell 1-2 to New Zealand in January 2026. Kohli, however, finished that series in commanding touch, capping it with a 124 off 108 balls in the final match at Indore to accumulate 240 runs across three innings. The knock also carried him past 28,000 international runs in his 624th innings, moving him ahead of Kumar Sangakkara into second place on the all-time list.

Sharma endured a leaner run against New Zealand, managing scores of 26, 24, and 11. His form had been mixed in the preceding Afghanistan series as well, where he posted 14, 48, and 79.

England Tour a Key Milestone on Road to 2027

The tour holds particular weight for the senior batters. With 2026 representing a critical year for workload management and form consolidation ahead of the World Cup, both are expected to feature prominently in India’s ODI plans throughout the calendar. Kohli was named in the squad despite a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final, though his involvement remains contingent on mandatory fitness clearance.

The series itinerary comprises matches at Edgbaston on July 14, Cardiff on July 16, and Lord’s on July 19—three venues offering distinct challenges that will test the pair’s preparedness for the global showpiece.

Collectively, they bring immense experience to the white-ball setup. Sharma sits third on the all-time ODI century list with 33 hundreds, trailing only Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, while Kohli continues to extend his record-breaking trajectory across formats.

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