Published on: Jun 4, 2026 1:17 pm IST|Updated on: Jun 4, 2026 1:42 pm IST
IND vs AFG: Team India have been dealt with a massive blow as their star batter, Virat Kohli, has been ruled out of the upcoming 3-match home ODI series against Afghanistan. The 37-year-old sustained a hamstring injury whilst playing for the IPL 2026 champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in the final of the competition against the Gujarat Titans on May 31. The three-match series is set to commence from Saturday, June 13, after the one-off Test match that will run from June 6 to 10 in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
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Despite playing with discomfort in his hamstring, Virat ensured RCB completed the chase in the Tata IPL 2026 final against GT with a fabulous unbeaten 75 off 42 deliveries. His perennial batting helped the Royal Challengers lift the IPL title for the second time in a row.
It’s worth noting that the extent of Virat’s hamstring injury is yet to be known. However, a source close to BCCI has revealed that the star batter will be missing the entire ODI series. The BCCI is still lip-bound in announcing Virat’s replacement for the series.
Talking about his form in the IPL, the star batter yet again enjoyed a merry run in the competition playing for the Bengaluru franchise. The 37-year-old right-hander endured yet another IPL season where he notched up 675 runs in 16 innings, which included five half-centuries and a ton at a staggering average of 51.92. The best thing about Virat’s staggering numbers this season was his strike rate. Virat enjoyed his best season in terms of strike rate, striking at 165.85.
His recent ODI form has been staggering too. Since last year, Virat has played 16 innings for Team India and amassed 891 runs at a breathtaking average of 68.53 and a brilliant strike rate of 98.45. His magnificent form helped him take the second spot in the current ICC ODI batters ranking.
The star batter, after announcing his T20I retirement in 2024 and Test retirement in 2025, plays only the ODI format for Team India. His absence in this series would mean fans will be able to see him in action in July when Team India tours England for a 3-match ODI series.
With Virat Kohli possibly out of the series, fans are wondering if Rohit Sharma is fit enough to feature in the IND vs AFG ODI series. Rohit, who missed some games for the 5-time champions Mumbai Indians due to a hamstring injury, has been included in the squad, but his participation remains subject to fitness.
Like Virat, Rohit too plays only ODI cricket for Team India after retiring from the other two formats. At 39, injuries should be bothering the veteran, and his participation in this series will be awaited. With Virat’s unavailability, Team India would not want their other senior batter to miss the upcoming home series.
Here is the complete Indian squad announced for the IND vs AFG ODI series. Virat’s name is no longer in the squad.