'Nothing serious' - Shubman Gill provides update on Virat Kohli's knee issue status

India's vice-captain Shubman Gill has assured fans about star batter Virat Kohli’s fitness, mentioning his knee issue is not serious and that he should be fit for the second One-Day International (ODI) against England in Cuttack on Sunday. Kohli missed the opening match of the series in Nagpur due to swelling in his right knee, but Gill remains optimistic about his quick return.

The Indian team entered the ODI series against England as a crucial preparatory platform ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin in Pakistan and Dubai on February 19. Kohli’s absence from the first ODI had raised questions about his availability for the remainder of the series and the upcoming competition. However, after India's four-wicket win in Nagpur, Gill provided an update on Kohli's knee issue.

"It's nothing serious. He (Kohli) was fine during yesterday's (Wednesday) practice, but he woke up with some swelling in his knee this morning (Thursday). He'll definitely be back for the second ODI,” Gill said while speaking to Disney-Hotstar.

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No, I wasn't thinking about my century: Shubman Gill

Despite Kohli’s absence, the Men in Blue managed to secure a win, thanks to crucial contributions from Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Axar Patel. The Punjab-born played a crucial role in the chase, scoring an 87 before being dismissed while attempting to accelerate the scoring rate. Reflecting on his innings, the right-hander clarified that he was not thinking about the century.

"No, I wasn't thinking about my century. I was focused on the field placements and played my shots accordingly. I wanted to dominate the bowler, and I would have played the same shot even if I was in my 60s," Gill added.

His dismissal came when he tried to take on Saqib Mahmood, and mistimed his shot which eventually led to Jos Buttler taking a sharp diving catch on mid-on. India was at 235/6 at that point, but Axar ensured that the hosts crossed the finish line comfortably. The young batter stitched a crucial 94-run partnership with Iyer before building another 108-run stand with Axar, leading the hosts to win the game and go 1-0 up in the series.