As the India vs Afghanistan ODI series is set to get underway on June 13, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could make an immediate announcement as a Virat Kohli replacement.
Here, in this article, we take a look at three Virat Kohli replacements for the Afghanistan tour of India 2026.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Perhaps the most deserving name who did not make the India Squad for Afghanistan ODIs was Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The 24-year-old might not yet have had a full-fledged opportunity to shine in ODIs, having played only four fifty-over games in international cricket, but his impressive numbers in List A cricket, coupled with strong records in Tests and T20Is, suggest he is one of the rare all-format players for India.
Criterion
List A
ODIs
Matches
39
4
Runs
1746
171
Average
51.35
57
Strike Rate
85.54
86.8
[Yashasvi Jaiswal Stats]
Let’s not forget the fact that Jaiswal has also smashed an unbeaten century in the ODIs, and bringing him in could allow Shubman Gill to play at No. 3 to make space for the southpaw.
Devdutt Padikkal
Among like-for-like Virat Kohli Replacements at No. 3, Devdutt Padikkal stands tall when it comes to being backed by data.
The 25-year-old, who played side-by-side with Kohli for RCB in two successful IPL campaigns in 2025 and 2026, has been enjoying an incredible run of form irrespective of formats in India’s domestic circuit, and there is absolutely none more deserving than him, particularly in 50-over format.
Criterion
List A
Vijay Hazare Trophy 25-26
Matches
42
9
Runs
2796
725
Average
82.23
90.63
Strike Rate
92.61
98.24
[Devdutt Padikkal Stats]
As his impressive List A average of over 82 suggests, it would be India’s loss if Devdutt Padikkal, now aged 25, still remains on the sidelines.
Tilak Varma
Even though Tilak did not have a fruitful start in ODIs, having only made 68 runs across four innings with an average of just 22, his natural batting style suits the 50-over format. Moreover, his List A cricket record is also great, making him a strong candidate among Virat Kohli replacements in India Squad For Afghanistan ODIs.
Criterion
List A
Matches
47
Runs
1867
Average
46.67
Strike Rate
90.28
[Tilak Varma Stats]
However, Tilak has been picked as India A’s captain for tri-series in Sri Lanka. Given the fact that the BCCI is projected him among India’s leaders for future, don’t be surprised if he gets an immediate call for India Squad for Afghanistan ODIs.
With Ishan Kishan already in the mix, the BCCI might not even bother to look at Virat Kohli Replacements for Afghanistan tour of India 2026. Instead, they might give Ishan Kishan a chance in all three ODIs, with Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma set to open for India. The matches will happen on June 13, June 17 and June 20 respectively.
Nevertheless, there is a probability that Rohit Sharma could miss India vs Afghanistan ODIs as well. If that happens, the BCCI might have no choice but to add more players to the squad.
3 Players BCCI Can Add To India Squad As Virat Kohli Replacements (Source: AFP Photos)
