IND vs NZ: Is Virat Kohli Injured? Indian star's name missing from BCCI's fitness report ahead of New Zealand series

Kohli had earlier featured in the Vijay Hazare tournament, marking a return after nearly 10 years.

In a surprising development, Virat Kohli‘s name was notably absent from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s latest fitness report released on January 2, 2026, ahead of the squad selection for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand (IND vs NZ).

The report, shared with the national selection committee, confirmed the fitness of 19 key players, including captain Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Prasidh Krishna.

All these players are the favourite contenders for making the ODI squad against New Zealand. However, the omission of Kohli, who has been in scintillating form, has left everyone puzzled, especially given his impeccable fitness history.

Virat Kohli made a spectacular comeback in the Vijay Hazare

Kohli, the former Indian captain, had earlier featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi, marking a remarkable return to domestic List A cricket after nearly 10 years. His last appearance in the tournament was back in 2015, and this comeback has been nothing short of dominant.

The 37-year-old scored a massive 131 off 101 balls against Arunachal Pradesh in the opening game, and followed it up with a match-defining half-century in the next clash against Gujarat to complete yet another successful run chase. Kohli is expected to play another Vijay Hazare contest on January 6 against Railways.

Reports from Dainik Jagran suggest that Kohli’s absence from the fitness list might stem from a special arrangement by the BCCI.

In September 2025, he underwent mandatory tests in London, where he resides with his family, and it’s believed he was granted permission for a similar process this time, bypassing the standard NCA evaluation.

Kohli has never failed a fitness test in his career and is widely credited with revolutionizing India’s approach to fitness through his discipline, clean diet, and rigorous training plan.

Meanwhile, positive news emerged for Shreyas Iyer, who was recovering from a spleen injury sustained in Australia. Iyer is a significant step closer to an international comeback after completing his first 50-over return to play match simulation on Friday.

To meet the BCCI’s medical clearance protocols, Iyer is now set to feature in Mumbai’s upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture against Himachal Pradesh, which will act as his second mandatory simulation.

The national selectors will only consider him fully fit for white ball cricket once he comes through both matches without any physical issues.

As selectors convene, Kohli’s inclusion seems imminent, but the mystery around his fitness report adds intrigue to India’s preparations against the Kiwis. With no injury concerns reported, the batting maestro’s form could be pivotal in the series, with key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya set to be rested.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.