International Sports
Kohli ruled out of Afghanistan ODI series with hamstring injury
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.
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.