Virat Kohli ruled out of Afghanistan ODI series

MUMBAI: India have suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with star batter Virat Kohli ruled out of the squad due to a hamstring injury.

According to reports, Kohli sustained the injury during the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 while representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Gujarat Titans. The former India captain was seen struggling between the wickets but continued to bat despite discomfort.

India will first feature in a one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10 before hosting the visitors in a three-match ODI series scheduled from June 13 to 20 across Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai.

Kohli’s absence has added to India’s concerns, with captain Rohit Sharma also racing against time to prove his fitness. The veteran opener was included in the squad subject to medical clearance following an injury picked up during the IPL season.

The dual fitness concerns have cast a shadow over what was expected to be a routine home assignment. Their possible absence presents a challenge for the team management, while also opening the door for younger players to stake a claim in India’s ODI setup.

The series comes at a crucial stage for Indian cricket, with preparations gradually building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. With the squad undergoing transition, the performance of the middle order in the absence of senior players will be closely monitored by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection panel.

Kohli’s setback is particularly unfortunate given his outstanding IPL 2026 form. The right-hander scored 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165, including one century and five half-centuries, with a highest score of an unbeaten 105.

In the IPL final in Ahmedabad, Kohli played a match-winning innings of 75 not out off 42 balls as RCB chased 156 to win by five wickets with 12 balls remaining. He brought up his fifty in just 25 deliveries, the fastest of his IPL career.

India ODI squad vs Afghanistan:

Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey.