Virat Kohli training with Sanjay Bangar in viral video sparks England’s ODI comeback
Virat Kohli’s long-awaited return to international cricket may still be subject to a fitness test, but the former India captain has already got fans talking after a video of him training with former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar surfaced on social media. With the England ODI series just around the corner, the footage has reignited the excitement surrounding Kohli’s return to the blue jersey.
The viral clip shows Kohli arriving at the training ground with a bag slung over his shoulder before being greeted by Bangar. The pair are later seen having a discussion in the middle of the field, with the former Indian batting coach apparently guiding Kohli through a longer practice session.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
Kohli was named in India’s 15-man squad for the three-match ODI series against Englandalthough his participation is subject to eligibility approval. The series, which begins on July 14, is expected to mark the return of Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who now feature exclusively in ODI cricket after retiring from Tests and T20Is.
Reports suggest that Kohli recently underwent an intensive training block in Alibaug and Mumbai alongside Bangar, aimed specifically at fine-tuning the technical aspects of his batting ahead of the series.
KOHLI GEARS FOR ODI’S RETURN
Since leaving Test and T20I cricket, Kohli’s international calendar has become much lighter, making every ODI appearance a momentous event for Indian cricket fans.
The England series will be his first international engagement since India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign and will also offer a timely insight into India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The training footage was therefore seen as an encouraging sign as fans widely shared clips of Kohli’s session and expressed their excitement to see the batting great back in action.
Much of the attention was focused on his lengthy talks with Bangar, who worked closely with Kohli during one of the most successful phases of his international career. The former India batsman was part of the national team’s support staff from 2014 to 2019, a period during which Kohli established himself as one of the world’s leading batsmen 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 inner circle.
“People are definitely very excited and everyone is excited about Virat. The whole country wants to see him when he comes back and like everyone else I am also waiting for him to be on the field again,” Sharma said during the Premier League 2026 auction in Delhi.
Sharma also revealed that he plans to travel to England for the final ODI at Lord’s and hopes that Kohli will make a successful return.
“I will join him at Lord’s for the third match. I will go for the third ODI, but yes, I wish and pray that he does well and India does well in all the three matches,” he added.
For now, India’s focus is 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 much-anticipated ODI return has already begun. Fans will now be hoping that the hard work behind the scenes translates into another memorable chapter when India take to the field later this month.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
02 Jul 2026 01:45 IST