New Delhi: India have suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with star batter Virat Kohli being ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final.
The three-match ODI series against Afghanistan is scheduled to begin on June 13 and continue until June 20. Kohli’s absence comes as a significant blow to the Indian team, given his outstanding form in both domestic and international cricket over the past year.
Injury sustained during IPL final
Kohli reportedly suffered the injury while representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans.
The veteran batter played a match-winning innings, remaining unbeaten on 75 runs from just 42 deliveries as Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down a target of 156 to secure a five-wicket victory and lift their second consecutive IPL title.
During the closing stages of the match, Kohli appeared to experience discomfort while running between the wickets. Despite the injury concern, he completed the innings and guided his team to victory.
Reports indicate that medical scans have revealed a distal semimembranosus tendon tear, a hamstring-related injury that will require further assessment to determine the recovery timeline.
Stellar form cut short
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Kohli, who has been enjoying one of the most productive phases of his career.
During IPL 2026, he accumulated 675 runs in 16 matches, averaging 56.25 with an impressive strike rate of 165.85. His performances were instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful title defence.
The former India captain also carried excellent form into international cricket.
In 2025, Kohli finished as India’s leading ODI run-scorer with 651 runs in 13 matches, including three centuries and four half-centuries.
He continued that momentum in 2026, scoring 240 runs in a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, registering one century and one fifty.
His consistent performances had strengthened his prospects of remaining a key part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Doubts over England series participation
While Kohli has already been ruled out of the Afghanistan series, concerns are now emerging regarding his availability for India’s subsequent ODI tour of England.
India are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series in England from July 14 to July 19.
The severity of the hamstring injury and the rehabilitation period required will determine whether Kohli can recover in time for the tour.
Medical staff are expected to monitor his progress closely before making a final decision regarding his return to competitive cricket.
BCCI yet to name replacement
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet announced a replacement for Kohli in the ODI squad.
With the series less than two weeks away, selectors are expected to evaluate several options to strengthen India’s batting line-up.
The squad already features experienced players such as Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
However, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are also awaiting fitness clearance following their IPL commitments.
India aim to maintain momentum
India have named a strong squad for the Afghanistan series despite the injury setback.
Shubman Gill will lead the side, while Shreyas Iyer has been appointed vice-captain. The squad also includes Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Nitish Kumar Reddy and several emerging players.
The series will provide an important opportunity for India to test combinations and build momentum ahead of a busy international schedule.
However, replacing the experience and form of Kohli will be a significant challenge as the team prepares to face Afghanistan.
Major setback ahead of crucial ODI season
Kohli’s absence not only weakens India’s batting unit but also interrupts a rich run of form at a crucial stage of his career.
With the ODI World Cup 2027 still on the horizon, the coming weeks will be important in determining how quickly the veteran batter can return to full fitness.
Indian fans and team management will be hoping the injury is not serious enough to keep one of the country’s greatest batters out of action for an extended period.