![Fans react to Virat Kohli missing IND v AFG ODIs. [Source - AFP/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780554435691_TRonViratKohlimissingINDvAFGODIs.jpg?type=hq)
Fans react to Virat Kohli missing IND v AFG ODIs. [Source - AFP/X]
In a significant development, Virat Kohli is set to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, scheduled to begin on June 13 in Dharamshala. The news comes shortly after his outstanding IPL 2026 season that had reignited excitement among fans.
Kohli is expected to be unavailable due to a hamstring injury that caused him discomfort during the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans.
Given his recent form and the anticipation surrounding his return to ODI cricket, the update has come as a major disappointment.
Fans React To Virat Kohli Missing Potential Century-Scoring Opportunity
Fans across social media reacted emotionally to the reports, with many expressing frustration and sadness over missing the chance to watch Kohli in his favourite format again. Here are some of the best reactions online to the news of Virat Kohli's absence from IND vs AFG ODIs.
Virat Kohli's likely absence from the Afghanistan ODI series has come as a major disappointment for fans who were eager to see the King of ODIs return to his favourite format. Many viewed the three-match series as another ideal stage for him.
The optimism was understandable given Kohli's recent ODI form. He scored three centuries across India's last two ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand, leading many supporters to believe another big run-scoring series was on the cards.
With 85 international centuries to his name, every ODI now feels significant in Kohli's pursuit of the coveted 100-century milestone. Fans saw the Afghanistan series as a chance to move closer to that mark before the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Also Read: When Will Virat Kohli Play Next After Being Ruled Out Of India vs Afghanistan ODIs?
Retirement Is Near? Fans Concerned By Another Injury Setback
Virat Kohli's injury absence from IND vs AFG ODIs also sparked concern among a section of fans regarding his long-term future. With the batting superstar now 37, some supporters viewed another fitness setback as a worrying sign ahead of cricket's demanding schedule.
Several reactions online suggested that recurring injury concerns could make Kohli's road to the 2027 ODI World Cup more challenging. While many dismissed retirement talks as premature, others feared fitness issues could impact his remaining years.
Fans Demand Devdutt Padikkal As Virat Kohli's Replacement
With Virat Kohli reportedly set to miss the IND vs AFG ODI series, many fans turned their attention towards his potential replacement. Among the names discussed online, Devdutt Padikkal emerged as the overwhelming favourite due to his exceptional recent form.
Devdutt Padikkal scored 725 runs at an average of 90.62, including four centuries, in the latest Vijay Hazare Trophy season for Karnataka. He further strengthened his case with 464 runs at a strike-rate of 168.72 while batting at No. 3 for RCB in IPL 2026.
Those performances convinced many supporters that Padikkal has earned an opportunity for India in ODIs. Social media was flooded with calls for selectors to reward his consistency, with fans viewing him as a natural replacement if Kohli remains unavailable.
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