IND vs AFG: Virat Kohli Ruled Out of Afghanistan ODI Series Due to Hamstring Injury
Virat Kohli will miss the Afghanistan ODI series with a hamstring injury but is expected to recover in time for England.
India batter Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after suffering a rare hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final.
The injury occurred while Kohli was anchoring the chase for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their title-winning victory over Gujarat Titans. Medical assessments confirmed a distal semimembranosus tendon tear, an injury located in the hamstring area just below the knee.
Following the diagnosis, Kohli has been advised to undergo at least two weeks of complete rest. As a result, he will miss the ODI series against Afghanistan, which begins on June 13.
Despite the setback, there is optimism regarding his availability for India’s tour of England. The three-match ODI series in England is scheduled from July 14 to July 19, giving Kohli more than a month to recover. Current medical projections suggest he should be fit in time for selection if rehabilitation progresses as expected.
India’s senior selection committee is expected to meet soon to finalize squads for the England tour. Kohli’s latest fitness report will be reviewed before any final decision is made regarding his inclusion.
With one of India’s most experienced batters unavailable, selectors are evaluating replacement options for the Afghanistan series. Ruturaj Gaikwad has emerged as the leading candidate to take Kohli’s place in the squad. Other top-order players under consideration include Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma.
Kohli’s absence will be a major blow for India against Afghanistan, but the focus will now be on ensuring the former captain returns fully fit ahead of the important England series next month.
