India has reportedly suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with star batter Virat Kohli set to miss the three-match contest due to a hamstring injury. According to PTI, the former India captain sustained the injury during the IPL 2026 final and has been ruled out of the historic bilateral series scheduled to begin later this month.

Kohli was in sensational form during the IPL 2026 final, playing a match-winning knock of 75 runs from just 42 deliveries for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award and played a crucial role in RCB lifting the trophy.

However, the injury picked up during that match now appears serious enough to keep him out of international action. A BCCI source reportedly confirmed the development, stating that Kohli would not be available for the Afghanistan ODIs because of the hamstring issue.

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While the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet issued an official statement, discussions have already begun regarding potential replacements for the veteran batter. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Maharashtra star Ruturaj Gaikwad have emerged as the leading contenders. Jaiswal was part of India’s squad during the recent ODI series against New Zealand but did not get an opportunity to feature in the playing XI.

News Alert ! Virat Kohli ruled out of ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury: BCCI source. pic.twitter.com/Ouh91Xy08u

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 4, 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad, meanwhile, impressed selectors with his performances in the ODI series against South Africa last year, although he is currently part of the India A squad for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka.

Adding to India’s fitness concerns, former captain Rohit Sharma’s availability remains uncertain. Rohit was named in the squad, subject to fitness, after dealing with a hamstring issue during IPL 2026.

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India’s ODI squad for the Afghanistan series includes Shubman Gill as captain, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain. The series will begin in Dharamsala on June 13 before moving to Lucknow on June 17. The final ODI will be played at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on June 20, where India will hope to complete the series despite concerns over key players’ fitness.