KL Rahul Joins Rohit Sharma, Kohli in Intense Nets Drills Ahead of India vs England ODI Clash

**KL Rahul sharpened his strokeplay alongside Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in nets at Edgbaston on July 12, 2026**, as India’s senior batsmen geared up for a high-stakes ODI series against England. The three-day warm-up session came after a humiliating 5-0 T20 defeat, with selectors banking on experience to reverse fortunes in the five-match ODI battle starting July 18.**

The session featured **Rohit Sharma**, who batted for an hour on a green-top wicket to prepare for England’s swing and bounce. He also completed two hours of fielding drills with **T Dilip**, India’s fielding coach. **Virat Kohli** and **KL Rahul** joined **Shubman Gill** for extended batting practice, while **Kuldeep Yadav**-a key spin weapon-was seen batting in nets despite his usual bowling role.

With India’s young core under pressure, **KL Rahul’s** inclusion signals confidence in his ability to anchor innings under tough conditions. His presence alongside Sharma and Kohli suggests a blend of youth and experience, though younger players like **Gurnoor Brar** (who debuted vs Afghanistan in June) may still feature. The nets focus on adapting to **Edgbaston’s tricky pitch**, where England’s pace attack could exploit any early mistakes.

India’s 5-0 T20 thrashing left fans demanding a statement victory in the ODIs. **KL Rahul’s** role could be pivotal if he replicates his 2024 World Cup form, where he scored 334 runs at 47.85. With **Jos Buttler** and **Jonny Bairstow** leading England’s charge, India’s top order must counter aggressive English openers. The first ODI on July 18 at Edgbaston will set the tone-will Rahul’s nets work translate to match-day success?

The return of Sharma and Kohli has sidelined some youngsters, though **Kuldeep Yadav’s** batting practice hints at a flexible XI. **Gurnoor Brar**, India’s fastest ODI debutant (11 balls to 50 vs Afghanistan), remains a wildcard. If he combines pace with Rahul’s technique, England’s middle order could face a double threat. But with England’s seamers targeting the top four, every run will matter.