Virat Kohli (Source: AFP)
India have suffered a significant setback ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with star batter Virat Kohli reportedly ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
The injury comes at a time when Virat Kohli was expected to return to international cricket after finishing another successful IPL season with RCB.
India vs Afghanistan ODI series to begin on June 13
Afghanistan are scheduled to tour India for a one-off Test match followed by a three-match ODI series.
The three-match ODI series against Afghanistan is an important assignment for India as the team begins preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The ODI series schedule is as follows:
- 1st ODI – June 13, 2026, Dharamsala
- 2nd ODI – June 17, 2026, Lucknow
- 3rd ODI – June 20, 2026, Chennai
Virat Kohli Ruled Out of Afghanistan ODI Series Due to Injury
According to reports from Journalist Abhishek Tripathi (Dainik Jagran), Kohli has suffered a hamstring injury and is unlikely to take part in the ODI series against Afghanistan.
His absence is especially significant because India will want to recover from a disappointing ODI series defeat against New Zealand earlier this year.
"He is out of the ODI series due to a hamstring injury," the report claimed.
How Did Virat Kohli Get Injured?
Kohli was last seen in action during the IPL 2026 final, where he played a match-winning innings for RCB against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
The veteran batter remained unbeaten on 75 runs from just 42 balls, smashing nine fours and three sixes. His innings helped RCB successfully chase down 156 and win their second consecutive IPL title.
Also Read: Team India Schedule After IPL 2026
However, during the latter stages of the chase, Kohli appeared uncomfortable while running between the wickets.
Despite the discomfort, he completed the match and guided his team to victory. It is believed that the hamstring problem developed during or shortly after that game.
Kohli enjoyed an outstanding IPL season, scoring 675 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate above 165. He finished as RCB's highest run-scorer and one of the tournament's leading performers.
When Will Virat Kohli Play Next?
With Virat Kohli expected to miss the Afghanistan ODI series, attention has now shifted to India's ODI tour of England in July. If his recovery progresses as expected, the England series could mark his return.
The series is still more than a month away, giving Virat Kohli enough time to recover and regain match fitness.
Team India will hope the star batter returns in time, as his presence remains vital to the team’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
India's Tour Of England 2026
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
| July 14 | 1st ODI | Edgbaston | Birmingham |
| July 16 | 2nd ODI | Sophia Gardens | Cardiff |
| July 19 | 3rd ODI | Lord's | London |
It is important to mention that the extent of Kohli's injury is still being assessed, and there is currently no official timeline for his complete recovery.
With Virat reportedly not available for IND vs AFG ODIs, there is also doubt about Rohit Sharma's fitness for the same series.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Directly Clashes With BCCI And Ajit Agarkar For This Player
