Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to replace Virat Kohli in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after the veteran batter was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

According to reports, Kohli sustained the injury during the IPL 2026 final and is expected to require around two weeks to recover.

Although he could potentially return in time for the final ODI of the series, selectors are reportedly unwilling to rush his comeback with a busy international schedule ahead, including a white-ball tour of England.

Gaikwad had initially been named in the India A squad for the upcoming tri-nation series in Sri Lanka as a replacement for the injured Riyan Parag. However, Kohli’s absence has opened the door for the Maharashtra batter to earn a promotion to the senior national side.

To fill the vacancy left by Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar has reportedly been drafted into the India A squad. Patidar is coming off an impressive IPL campaign in which he captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second successive title while scoring more than 500 runs during the season.

Meanwhile, selectors are also closely monitoring the fitness of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya ahead of the Afghanistan series.

Both players have struggled with injuries in recent months and missed significant portions of the IPL season. While they were included in the provisional squad, their participation remains subject to clearance from fitness tests at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Reports indicate that Pandya has already reported to the NCA and could join the squad if he passes the required assessments. Rohit, however, is yet to undergo his fitness evaluation, with a final decision on his availability expected later this week.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to confirm Kohli’s replacement and make further selection announcements when it names squads for the upcoming England tour and the Asian Games.

India have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with star batter Virat Kohli ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final.

A source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Kohli picked up the injury while representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the title decider against Gujarat Titans. Despite visible discomfort and difficulty running between the wickets, Kohli batted through the pain to help guide RCB to victory.

The ODI series is scheduled to begin on June 13 in Dharamsala, leaving India without one of their most experienced and influential batters. The hosts are also monitoring the fitness of captain Rohit Sharma, whose inclusion in the squad was reportedly subject to his recovery from an injury suffered during the IPL season.

The uncertainty surrounding both Kohli and Rohit presents a challenge for India’s team management but also offers an opportunity for emerging players to impress. With preparations already underway for the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle, the Afghanistan series could provide valuable insight into the depth and future direction of India’s batting lineup.

Selectors will be particularly interested in how the middle order performs in the absence of senior figures, with competition for places expected to intensify over the coming months.

Kohli’s injury comes on the back of a remarkable IPL campaign. The veteran batter scored 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165. His season included one century and five half-centuries, with a highest score of an unbeaten 105.

He saved one of his best performances for the final in Ahmedabad, producing an unbeaten 75 from 42 deliveries as RCB chased down a target of 156.

Kohli reached his half-century in just 25 balls — the fastest IPL fifty of his career — helping secure a five-wicket victory with two overs remaining.

Kohli finished the tournament as the fourth-highest run-scorer, behind Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. However, the injury suffered during the championship-winning performance has now forced him out of India’s upcoming ODI assignment against Afghanistan.