India have suffered a major setback ahead of their ODI series against Afghanistan. Star batter Virat Kohli has been ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final.
The three-match ODI series will begin on June 13, shortly after the one-off Test between the two teams.
Kohli picked up the injury while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL final against Gujarat Titans on May 31. Despite the injury, the former India captain delivered a brilliant performance. He remained unbeaten on 75 from 42 balls and helped RCB win their second consecutive IPL title.
The exact severity of Kohli’s injury is still unknown. However, his absence is a significant blow for India as they continue preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
India Await BCCI Decision on Replacement
Kohli has been in outstanding form in ODI cricket. He finished 2025 with 651 runs at an impressive average of 65.10. He also scored three centuries during the year.
Earlier this year, Kohli featured in three ODIs against New Zealand. He scored 240 runs and maintained a strike rate of 105.26, once again proving his value to the team.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet announced a replacement for the veteran batter. Team management will be hoping the injury is not serious and does not affect his availability for India’s upcoming white-ball tour of England.
India are scheduled to play three ODIs in England later this year. Because of that, the selectors may have decided to rest Kohli as a precaution and avoid any risk before a bigger assignment.
Even without Kohli, India have several experienced batters in the squad. Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will carry extra responsibility. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is also in excellent form and could be promoted to the number three position.
His left-handed batting could add balance to India’s top order as they look to start the Afghanistan series strongly.
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