Who Has Replaced Virat Kohli In India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI?

 Virat Kohli (Source: AFP)

In a significant development, India are hosting Afghanistan in the second ODI of the three-match series on June 17 (Wednesday).

Ahead of the IND vs AFG 2nd ODI, Hashmatullah Shahidi, captain of Afghanistan, won the toss and elected to bowl first. India made three changes to the side that won the opening ODI.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav and debutant fast bowler Prince Yadav were included in the playing XI, replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey and Prasidh Krishna. 

It is important to note that Nitish Kumar Reddy was unavailable for selection because of a left quad injury.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Meets RCB Teammate Jordan Cox Before England Test Debut

Shubman Gill Drafted In Place Of Virat Kohli

One of the major talking points from India's playing XI for the second ODI was who replaced Virat Kohli in the IND vs AFG 2nd ODI.

It is vital to note that Virat Kohli is unavailable for the three-match series due to a hamstring injury, forcing the team management to make adjustments.

India made a notable change to their playing XI for the second ODI against Afghanistan, with skipper Shubman Gill taking over Virat Kohli's position in the batting order.

India's Playing XI vs AFG 2nd ODI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav.

India's team sheet for 2nd ODI vs Afghanistan [Source: X]

With Jaiswal opening alongside Rohit Sharma, Gill moved to the No. 3 position, effectively filling the role usually occupied by Virat Kohli.

Ishan Kishan retained his place as wicketkeeper, while Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will strengthen India’s middle order.

Also Read: Litton Das Injury Setback Hits Bangladesh; Official Update Issued

Why Is Virat Kohli Not Playing IND vs AFG ODIs?

Virat Kohli is not playing the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan because of a hamstring injury he suffered during the IPL 2026 final.

Kohli picked up the injury while batting for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans in the IPL final. Although he looked uncomfortable during the match, he continued batting and scored an impressive half-century.

At first, the injury did not appear to be serious. However, medical reports later revealed that Kohli had suffered a Distal Semimembranosus Tendon Tear, a rare hamstring injury that affects the tendon near the back of the knee.

A distal semimembranosus tendon tear is a rupture of the lower hamstring tendon located near the knee. Recovery from this type of injury can take time, depending on its severity.

India Lead The Series 1-0

India have defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the first ODI. In the rain-shortened 25-over contest, Afghanistan posted 194 runs, thanks to a century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Debutant Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey starred with the ball, taking three wickets each.

In reply, Gill led from the front with an unbeaten 84, guiding India to victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.

Follow IND vs AFG Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Voltage Encounter.