India have suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with star batter Virat Kohli ruled out of the three-match contest due to a hamstring injury.
According to sources, the former India captain will not be available for selection as he continues to recover from the injury, raising concerns ahead of India’s busy international schedule.
Injury Ends Kohli’s Return to ODI Action
Kohli’s absence comes just days after he played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful IPL 2026 campaign. The batting icon was one of the standout performers of the season, scoring 675 runs and helping RCB defend their title.
The veteran batter registered a century and five half-centuries during the tournament and capped off the campaign by hitting the winning runs in the final against Gujarat Titans.
His impressive IPL form had raised expectations for another strong ODI season, but the injury has temporarily halted those plans.
Major Loss for India and Fans
Kohli remains one of the biggest names in world cricket despite stepping away from T20 Internationals and Test cricket. His presence continues to be a major attraction in the 50-over format, making his absence a significant blow for both the Indian team and cricket fans.
Known for his elite fitness and consistency, Kohli has rarely missed international matches because of injury throughout his illustrious career.
Rohit Sharma’s Fitness Also Under Watch
India’s concerns may not end with Kohli. Captain Rohit Sharma is also facing a race against time to prove his fitness ahead of the Afghanistan series.
The opener was included in the squad subject to fitness after dealing with a hamstring problem during IPL 2026, where his participation was limited.
Team management is expected to closely monitor Rohit’s recovery before taking a final call on his involvement in the series.
Focus Shifts to ODI Future
Since retiring from Test cricket and T20 Internationals, both Kohli and Rohit have focused exclusively on the ODI format. With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 still more than a year away, selectors will continue to assess the duo’s form and fitness as part of India’s long-term plans.
Despite ongoing speculation regarding their international futures, both senior players remain important figures in India’s ODI setup.
Afghanistan Series Schedule
The three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan will begin on June 13 in Dharamsala.
- 1st ODI – June 13, Dharamsala
- 2nd ODI – June 17, Lucknow
- 3rd ODI – June 20, Chennai
Following the Afghanistan series, India will travel to England for a three-match ODI series starting on July 14.
With Kohli unavailable and Rohit’s fitness still uncertain, the selectors may be forced to look at younger players to shoulder greater responsibility in the coming weeks.
