Indian cricket fans have been dealt a major blow as reports suggest that star batter Virat Kohli is nursing a neck injury, putting his participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in jeopardy.

The 35-year-old former captain has been struggling with a neck strain since his last appearance in the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where he played a significant role in India’s Test series against Australia.

According to sources close to Kohli, the injury has caused considerable discomfort, and he may miss Delhi’s upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, scheduled from January 23 to 26 in Rajkot.

Kohli’s involvement in the prestigious domestic tournament was expected to be a key moment for his return to first-class cricket after a brief hiatus.

Virat Kohli faces injury setback ahead of Champions Trophy

However, the injury, which reportedly led to significant pain, has raised concerns over his fitness for both the Ranji Trophy and the Champions Trophy, just months before the tournament kicks off in Pakistan.

Virat Kohli Suffered Injury, Had To Take Injection": Report Reveals Massive Concern For Team India | Cricket News

A Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) official confirmed to Sports Tak that there had been no formal communication from Kohli regarding his injury or his availability for the upcoming match, adding a layer of uncertainty surrounding the issue.

Despite this, sources from within the team suggest that the injury is more serious than initially anticipated, with Kohli reportedly receiving an injection in an attempt to alleviate the pain.

This setback comes at a particularly troubling time for Kohli, who has been a key figure in India’s cricketing lineup for over a decade. His recent performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where he managed only 190 runs in five Test matches, had already raised concerns about his form.

However, Kohli was expected to regain his rhythm in the domestic circuit and bring his experience and leadership to Delhi’s Ranji campaign, ahead of the Champions Trophy.

The injury also adds to India’s growing concerns over player fitness as the prestigious ICC tournament approaches. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, another vital cog in the Indian team, is reportedly battling an injury of his own, further threatening India’s key players’ participation in the much-anticipated event.

Kohli’s fitness is of paramount importance, not just for the Delhi team but also for India’s chances in the Champions Trophy 2025. As the defending champions, India will be looking to field their best squad, and the absence of key players like Kohli could significantly dent their prospects.

The road to recovery for Kohli will be closely monitored, with fans and selectors anxiously awaiting updates on his progress. The star batter’s participation in the Champions Trophy hinges on his ability to regain full fitness in time for the tournament, a challenge that now looms large as he continues to battle the neck injury.