New Delhi: Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan after sustaining a hamstring injury, dealing a setback to India’s preparations ahead of the three-match contest scheduled to begin on June 13 in Dharamsala.
The development comes just days after Kohli capped off a memorable IPL 2026 campaign, playing a crucial role in guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the title. The veteran batter sealed the victory by hitting the winning runs in the final against Gujarat Titans and finished the season among the tournament’s standout performers.
The injury has raised concerns over Kohli’s immediate availability, although the extent of the hamstring issue and the expected recovery timeline have not yet been officially disclosed.
There is also uncertainty surrounding the participation of India captain Rohit Sharma. Reports suggest he was included in the squad subject to fitness clearance, leaving the team management with potential selection challenges ahead of the series.
Meanwhile, Kohli recently reflected on the evolution of his batting approach and the changing demands of modern T20 cricket. Emphasising the importance of adaptability, he said sustained success depends on continuously improving and finding new ways to contribute to the team’s cause.
The former India captain also shared advice for young cricketers, stressing that understanding match situations is just as important as power-hitting. According to Kohli, players must develop the ability to adjust their game based on conditions, whether through boundary scoring, strike rotation or building partnerships under pressure.
India’s ODI series against Afghanistan will provide another opportunity for emerging players to make an impression if Kohli’s absence opens up a place in the batting order. The team management is expected to provide further updates on the fitness status of both Kohli and Rohit before the series begins.
With a busy international calendar ahead, India’s priority will be ensuring that its senior players return fully fit while maintaining momentum following a successful IPL season.
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