Virat Kohli Ruled Out of ODI series against Afghanistan: Reports

Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is likely to miss the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to an injury, as per reports from PTI. The Men in Blue are scheduled to face Afghanistan for a three-match ODI series from June 13.

Kohli was all set to return to international cricket after the conclusion of the IPL 2026, but a hamstring injury has extended his return. “He is out of the ODI series due to a hamstring injury,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by PTI.

News Alert ! Virat Kohli ruled out of ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury: BCCI source. pic.twitter.com/Ouh91Xy08u

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 4, 2026

The 37-year-old won the Player of the match award for his brilliant batting in the IPL 2026 final, scoring 75 off 42 balls for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against the Gujarat Titans (GT).

Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ruturaj Gaikwad might replace Virat Kohli

However, the BCCI has not yet confirmed the news. With Kohli injured, Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ruturaj Gaikwad might replace him in the first-ever bilateral ODI series. Jaiswal was recently picked for India’s squad in their last ODI series against New Zealand, but didn’t get an opportunity to be part of the playing XI. In contrast, Gaikwad showcased an impressive performance with the bat in the middle order against South Africa.

Meanwhile former India captain Rohit Sharma is all set to play the entire three-match series against Afghanistan. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified during India’s squad announcement that Rohit’s availability is subject to fitness after sustaining a hamstring injury while playing for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in his IPL appearances.

India’s squad for ODI series against Afghanistan: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (VC), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey

The first ODI between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association in Dharamsala on June 13, followed by a match in Ekana Cricket Stadium on June 17, and the third match at the MA. Chidambaram Stadium on June 20.