Major blow for India as Virat Kohli set to miss Afghanistan ODIs due to injury

Virat Kohli is set to miss India's upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after sustaining a hamstring injury. The development comes just days after the veteran batter played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2026 title-winning campaign.

Hamstring injury sidelines Kohli

India's preparations for the ODI series against Afghanistan have been dealt a significant blow, with reports suggesting that Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the entire series because of a hamstring injury.

According to a PTI report, a BCCI source confirmed the setback, saying, "He is out of the ODI series due to a hamstring injury." While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to make an official announcement, multiple reports indicate that the former India captain will not be available for the three-match assignment.

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Injury comes after IPL success

The injury comes shortly after Kohli enjoyed a memorable IPL 2026 season with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The star batter was in impressive form throughout the tournament and capped off the campaign by helping RCB secure the title.

Kohli's performances had raised expectations for his return to international cricket in the ODI format. Having retired from Test and T20 International cricket, the 37-year-old now focuses solely on One-Day Internationals, making his absence from the Afghanistan series particularly notable.

Afghanistan series begins on June 13

India and Afghanistan are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series beginning on June 13 in Dharamsala. The remaining matches are expected to be played on June 17 and June 20.

Kohli had originally been named in India's ODI squad for the series when the team was announced last month. The squad also included senior players such as Rohit Sharma, although reports suggest there is uncertainty surrounding Rohit's availability as well due to fitness concerns.

Selection questions emerge

With Kohli unavailable, the team management may have to make adjustments to the batting line-up. Reports have suggested that selectors could consider a replacement, though no official decision has been announced.

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged the importance of the former captain, indicating that losing a player of Kohli's stature would be a major setback for the side. However, he also noted that there has been no formal confirmation from the team management regarding the injury situation.

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Focus shifts to recovery

For now, attention will be on Kohli's recovery and rehabilitation. The exact severity of the hamstring injury and the expected recovery timeline have not been disclosed.

With the ODI series fast approaching, Indian fans will be hoping that the setback proves temporary and that one of the country's most experienced batters can return to action soon.