The star batter Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the ODI series of the Afghanistan tour of India 2026 due to a hamstring injury he picked up during the IPL 2026 final on Sunday.
It is understood that Kohli has been advised a minimum of two weeks’ rest, and though he may be fit in time for the ODI on June 20. Hence, the selectors have decided to rest the veteran batter for the ODI series.
During the RCB’s chase in the IPL 2026 finals against the Gujarat Titans, Kohli seemed to be in discomfort in his hamstring and needed a bit of medical attention.
Though he continued to bat and completed the chase as RCB secured back-to-back titles, further tests have revealed an injury to his hamstring, and he has been advised to rest for two wickets and racing him for the ODI series might extend his injury.
However, India have a busy ODI calendar ahead with India set to travel to England for a white-ball series which includes three match ODI series.
With Virat Kohli ruled out, the BCCI are looking into the options – Devdutt Padikkal, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and Rajata Patidar.
Virat Kohli has been impressive in the ODI format and has silenced his critics and shown that, in the format, he still has plenty to offer. He amassed 675 runs at an average of 56.25 in the IPL 2026, which included one century and five fifties.
Meanwhile, there is uncertainty revolving over Rohit Sharma’s participation as he has yet to report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence for a fitness assessment and clearance.
Meanwhile, the all-rounder Hardik Pandya is yet to reach Bengaluru to undergo his fitness clearance.
It is understood that the men’s senior selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, had explored options of resting the two veterans for the ODI series, but a late change has made their inclusion.
The first match of the ODI series will begin on June 13 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium, Dharamsala.
