Virat Kohli is expected to sit out India’s next three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after picking up a hamstring problem. The precise timetable for his return is still not fully known, but the likelihood is that he will be unavailable for the series. It has also been learned that Kohli is currently spending time in Europe after winning the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Quick facts
- Virat Kohli is likely to miss India’s upcoming three-match ODI series vs Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury.
- Rohit Sharma’s fitness status is still uncertain after he has not reported to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for clearance.
- Both Kohli and Rohit were considered for rest, but a late decision led to their inclusion.
- Key selectors and decision-makers will meet on June 6 to finalise squads for white-ball tours to Ireland and England.
- ODI schedule vs Afghanistan: June 14 (Dharamsala), June 17 (Lucknow), June 20 (Chennai).
Kohli’s recent IPL run was outstanding before the injury surfaced. He amassed 675 runs at an average of 56.25, landing a century count of one and finishing with fifty-plus scores on five separate occasions. In the final, he delivered the biggest moment with an unbeaten 75 to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the title against Gujarat Titans.
The hamstring issue is understood to have first affected him while he was batting on May 31. During that spell, he reportedly felt discomfort in his right hamstring, and the area was heavily taped before he continued his innings. From that point onward, his availability has become a major talking point as India prepare for the Afghanistan fixtures.
Rohit’s fitness still pending
Meanwhile, there is ongoing uncertainty around Rohit Sharma’s involvement. The former India captain has not yet reported to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) for a fitness check and formal clearance, which means his participation remains in doubt. Rohit and Hardik Pandya were named in the ODI squad subject to fitness approval, and while Hardik has checked in, Rohit has not reached Bengaluru yet.
It is also understood that India’s senior men’s selection panel, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, had examined the idea of resting both experienced campaigners for the three matches. However, a late shift in thinking resulted in them being included in the squad. At one stage, team management and selectors considered giving Yashasvi Jaiswal a role at the top of the order alongside Shubman Gill, but Rohit managed to retain his place.
With hamstring concerns now appearing to affect multiple senior players, the squad picture could change quickly. Since Kohli is effectively ruled out and Rohit’s clearance is yet to arrive, it may create space for a late call-up. Jaiswal is a likely candidate to join the group, and selectors could also consider adding options such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal, or Tilak Varma to strengthen the middle-order.
A final call is expected in the next few days. The decision-makers are scheduled to meet on June 6 to put together squads for the upcoming white-ball assignments in Ireland and England, and those discussions are likely to shape India’s ODI group for Afghanistan as well.
IND vs AFG ODI series schedule
1st ODI: June 14, 2026 – Dharamsala – 1:30 PM IST
2nd ODI: June 17, 2026 – Lucknow – 1:30 PM IST
3rd ODI: June 20, 2026 – Chennai – 1:30 PM IST
