Indian team They have reportedly suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Afghanistanwith senior hitter Virat Kohli He will miss three games 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 to build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Virat Kohli to miss Afghanistan ODI leg
According to PTI reports, the former India captain has been ruled out of the series after suffering a hamstring injury. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Still to make an official announcement regarding his replacement, the development has sparked concern among both fans and team management.
A BCCI source quoted by PTI confirmed the unfortunate news and stated that Kohli will not be available for the Afghanistan ODIs due to the injury.
The exact nature and severity of the hamstring problem remains unclear and there has been no official information on when the injury occurred. However, reports suggest that the problem may have arisen 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 Bangalore chased the target against Gujarat Titans to secure their second consecutive IPL title. Despite any potential discomfort, the veteran batsman put in another winning performance when his team needed him most.
India also faces uncertainty over Rohit Sharma
Kohli’s absence becomes even more significant because India’s leadership group is already grappling with the uncertainty surrounding the former captain. Rohit Sharma. The opener is reportedly recovering from an injury sustained during IPL 2026 and his availability for the Afghanistan series remains uncertain.
If Rohit is also unavailable, India could start the series without two of their most experienced ODI players. Such a scenario would force the selectors to put more faith in the next generation of cricketers.
At the same time, the situation presents an opportunity for young Indian batsmen to stake a claim for a regular place in the ODI set-up. With several promising talents waiting in the wings, the series could become a major platform for rising stars to impress the team management.
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Injury disrupts Kohli’s outstanding ODI drive
The timing of the injury could not have been worse for Kohli, who has enjoyed a remarkable career in 50-over cricket over the past two years. In 2025, the batting icon finished as India’s leading ODI run-scorer, amassing 651 runs in just 13 matches. His impressive tally included three centuries and four half-centuries, underlining his continued dominance in the format.
Kohli also carried that form till 2026. During India’s ODI series against New Zealandhe accumulated 240 runs in three matches, registering one and a half centuries. His performances reinforced his importance to the Indian 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 for July 14-19, and his recovery schedule will be closely monitored over the coming weeks.
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