Big blow for Team India as Virat Kohli ruled out of Afghanistan ODI series – Reports

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Team India have reportedly suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with senior batter Virat Kohli set to miss the three-match assignment due to a hamstring injury. The series is scheduled to begin on June 13, and Kohli’s absence could significantly impact India’s preparations as they continue building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

According to reports from PTI, the former India captain has been ruled out of the series after sustaining a hamstring injury. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet made an official announcement regarding his replacement, the development has raised concerns among fans and team management alike.

A BCCI source quoted by PTI confirmed the unfortunate news, stating that Kohli will not be available for the Afghanistan ODIs because of the injury.

The exact nature and severity of the hamstring issue remain unclear, and there has been no official information regarding when the injury occurred. However, reports suggest that the problem may have surfaced during the IPL 2026 final held on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Kohli played a crucial role in that high-pressure encounter, remaining unbeaten on 75 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down the target against Gujarat Titans to secure their second consecutive IPL title. Despite any possible discomfort, the veteran batter delivered another match-winning performance when his team needed him the most.

Kohli’s absence becomes even more significant because India’s leadership group is already dealing with uncertainty surrounding former captain Rohit Sharma. The opener is reportedly recovering from an injury suffered during IPL 2026, and his availability for the Afghanistan series remains uncertain.

If Rohit is also unavailable, India could head into the series without two of their most experienced ODI players. Such a scenario would force the selectors to place greater faith in the next generation of cricketers.

At the same time, the situation presents an opportunity for young Indian batters to stake their claim for a regular place in the ODI setup. With several promising talents waiting in the wings, the series could become an important platform for emerging stars to impress the team management.

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The timing of the injury could not have been worse for Kohli, who has enjoyed a remarkable run in 50-over cricket over the last two years. In 2025, the batting icon finished as India’s leading ODI run-scorer, accumulating 651 runs in just 13 matches. His impressive tally included three centuries and four half-centuries, underlining his continued dominance in the format.

Kohli carried that form into 2026 as well. During India’s ODI series against New Zealand, he amassed 240 runs in three matches, registering both a century and a half-century. His performances reinforced his importance to India’s middle order and strengthened his case for a place in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Beyond the Afghanistan series, Kohli’s injury has also created uncertainty around India’s upcoming ODI tour of England. The three-match series is scheduled to take place from July 14 to July 19, and his recovery timeline will be closely monitored over the coming weeks.

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