Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the Afghanistan ODIs after suffering a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final.
The setback comes shortly after the veteran batter helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru lift their second consecutive IPL title.
Reports suggest the injury could rule Kohli out of India’s upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan.
In this article, you will learn about Kohli’s injury, replacement options, and their impact on Afghanistan ODI Series.
Virat Kohli Ruled Out Of Afghanistan ODIs After Hamstring Tear
Virat Kohli could miss the Afghanistan ODI series after reportedly suffering a distal semimembranosus tendon tear.
The injury affects the inner part of his right hamstring near the knee and is relatively uncommon.
While the BCCI is yet to announce the squad, reports suggest the injury could sideline him from the series.
Why Is Virat Kohli Ruled Out Of Afghanistan ODIs?
Medical assessments reportedly revealed the extent of the hamstring injury sustained after the IPL final. India will likely give Kohli additional time to recover from the injury.
The decision could open the door for another batter to earn a place in the squad. This would allow him additional recovery time before India’s next major assignments.
Who Could Replace Kohli In India’s ODI Squad?
Kohli’s expected absence could open the door for several players currently on the selectors’ radar.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is reportedly among the leading candidates to take the vacant spot.
The selectors initially picked the right-hander for the India A tour of Sri Lanka but could now promote him to the senior squad.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has also emerged as a potential replacement candidate. The left-hander has impressed across formats and offers a different dimension to India’s batting unit.
Selectors will make their final decision based on team balance and their plans for the ODI series.
What Kohli’s Absence Means For India And Fans
Kohli’s absence would be significant for more than just cricketing reasons.
The 37-year-old now plays only ODI cricket for India, making every appearance in national colours increasingly valuable for supporters.
For fans, the Afghanistan series was expected to provide another opportunity to watch one of India’s greatest batters in action.
Missing the series could mean a lengthy wait before his next international appearance.
From a team perspective, India would lose one of its most experienced batters and a player who continues to play a crucial role in the middle order.
Kohli IPL Record In 2026 Final
The injury news comes just days after Kohli delivered one of the defining performances of the IPL 2026 season.
Batting under pressure in the final against Gujarat Titans, he remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls and guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to victory.
Kohli also struck the winning runs as RCB successfully defended their crown and secured a second consecutive IPL title.
The innings showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stage and capped another outstanding campaign for the franchise.
His contribution played a major role in ensuring Bengaluru completed a historic back-to-back championship triumph.
Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 Schedule
India will host Afghanistan for a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series in June 2026. The tour begins in New Chandigarh before moving to Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai for the ODI leg.
Here is the complete schedule of the series:
| Date | Match | Time (IST/GMT) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 2026 | One-off Test | 9:30 AM IST / 4:00 AM GMT | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) |
| June 13, 2026 | 1st ODI | 1:30 PM IST / 8:00 AM GMT | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala |
| June 17, 2026 | 2nd ODI | 1:30 PM IST / 8:00 AM GMT | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| June 20, 2026 | 3rd ODI | 1:30 PM IST / 8:00 AM GMT | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
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Conclusion
India now appears set to begin the Afghanistan ODI series without one of its most influential players.
While the BCCI is yet to confirm the squad officially, reports suggest Kohli’s recovery will remain the priority in the coming weeks.
Attention will now shift towards the selectors’ replacement plans and Kohli’s rehabilitation as India prepares for its upcoming matches against Afghanistan.
