Virat Kohli has been ruled out of India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after suffering a hamstring injury during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful IPL 2026 title-winning campaign. The star batter picked up the injury during the IPL final, and although initial reports suggest the setback is not a long-term concern, the BCCI has decided not to rush him back into action.
India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed Kohli’s absence while announcing the squad in Mumbai on Saturday. Agarkar revealed that the former India captain could potentially return for the ODI series against England in July, but medical staff are still assessing his recovery timeline.
“Virat sustained the injury during the IPL final, and at this stage there is no definitive timeline on his return. We are hopeful he could be available for the England ODI series, but we will wait for further updates from the physios,” Ajita Agarkar explained.
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Kohli’s absence is a significant blow for India, considering the outstanding form he has displayed in recent months. Since retiring from Test and T20I cricket, the 37-year-old has focused exclusively on the ODI format and remains one of India’s most important players ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
His last international appearance came during the home ODI series against New Zealand in January, where he finished as India’s highest run-scorer with 240 runs at an impressive average of 80. Kohli carried that momentum into IPL 2026, producing one of the finest seasons of his franchise career. He amassed 675 runs at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, playing a pivotal role in helping RCB secure back-to-back IPL titles.
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With Kohli unavailable, India have handed an opportunity to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who comes into the squad as his replacement. The young opener has shown immense promise in the 50-over format, having scored an unbeaten century against South Africa in December 2025. Jaiswal has featured in four ODIs so far and will be eager to cement his place in the side.
India’s ODI series against Afghanistan begins in Dharamsala on June 13 before moving to Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20. The selectors are expected to finalise the squad for the England ODI series after assessing performances during this assignment.
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India’s updated ODI squad vs Afghanistan: Shubman Gill (capt), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer (vice-capt), KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey
