Virat Kohli ruled out of India-Afghanistan ODI series, Ruturaj Gaikwad in contention

Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the three‑match One Day International series between India and Afghanistan because of a hamstring injury. The series, scheduled for 13‑20 June 2026, will be played in Dharamshala, Lucknow and Chennai. Kohli, who retired from Test and T20I cricket, had a strong IPL 2026 season, scoring 675 runs with a century and a Player‑of‑the‑Match performance in the final.

Following his injury, India’s selectors are looking at opening‑batting options, with Ruturaj Gaikwad mentioned as a possible replacement. Gaikwad, who served as vice‑captain of India A on a Sri Lanka tour, may slot into the ODI side, while Rajat Patidar is expected to take Gaikwad’s place in the India A squad.