Virat Kohli ruled out of India-Afghanistan ODI series over hamstring injury

India's batting star Virat Kohli suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final and has been ruled out of the three‑match ODI series against Afghanistan. The series, scheduled to start on June 13 in Dharamshala and continue in Lucknow (June 17) and Chennai (June 20), will proceed without Kohli, a BCCI source said: “He is out of the ODI series due to a hamstring injury.”

Selectors are looking at replacements, with Ruturaj Gaikwad named as the frontrunner to fill Kohli's slot. The fitness of captain Rohit Sharma also remains uncertain, as he too is awaiting clearance after a hamstring problem. The board may consider additional options such as Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma or other emerging players if further changes are needed.

The injury comes as India prepares for the upcoming 2027 World Cup, making squad decisions crucial for the short‑term series and longer‑term planning.