India have been dealt a major setback ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with star batter Virat Kohli ruled out due to a hamstring injury. India are scheduled to face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series from June 13 to 20.
Kohli was instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 title-winning campaign and played a match-winning knock in the final against Gujarat Titans. The veteran remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 deliveries, guiding RCB to a five-wicket victory and their second consecutive IPL crown in Ahmedabad.
However, Kohli appeared to be in discomfort while running between the wickets during the latter stages of the final, despite staying on to complete the chase. According to sources cited by India Today, scans have since revealed a distal semimembranosus tendon tear, which has ruled him out of the Afghanistan series.
The 37-year-old enjoyed another prolific IPL season, scoring 675 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.85. The full extent of the injury and his recovery timeline are yet to be confirmed.
The injury has come at an unfortunate time for Virat Kohli, who was looking to build on his excellent form in the Afghanistan series as he continues his push to remain in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Virat Kohli’s Strong ODI Form Halted by Injury Setback
The veteran enjoyed a remarkable 2025 in the 50-over format, finishing as India’s leading run-scorer with 651 runs from 13 matches, including three centuries and four half-centuries. Kohli carried that momentum into 2026, amassing 240 runs in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, highlighted by a century and a fifty.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet announced a replacement for him in the Afghanistan series. The setback has also raised concerns over Kohli’s availability for India’s upcoming ODI tour of England, which is scheduled to begin on July 14.
While India have named a strong squad for the Afghanistan series, the participation of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya will depend on them receiving fitness clearance following the IPL 2026 season.
INDIA’S ODI SQUAD FOR AFGHANISTAN SERIES
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
