Virat Kohli Ruled Out of Afghanistan ODIs: BCCI Confirms Hamstring Injury
Cheering still hung in the air over Ahmedabad. Then came Virat Kohli’s six – clear skies after thunder, some said – as RCB claimed back-to-back IPL crowns. Soaked in sweat and applause, he stood center stage under flashing lights. That local fire? Many thought it would burn just as bright on world grounds.
Patience is what those hoping to spot him in the national colors again must now practice. A setback hits India’s plans – Virat Kohli won’t feature in the coming three one day games versus Afghanistan, sidelined by a torn hamstring. On sites such as Khelosports, where each update matters, attention turns not to comeback glory but the quieter grind of healing and grit.
A report from BCCI insiders mentioned an official stating he won’t play in the ODI series because of a pulled hamstring. One outlet relayed it this way: recovery time makes participation impossible.
The IPL Final Victory With Hidden Sacrifices
One way to grasp how heavy this blow feels for India? Think about the IPL 2026 final. The target was 156, set by the Gujarat Titans. Kohli wasn’t simply hitting runs. Instead, he shaped the run-chase like a commander steering through stormy moments.
Just past the halfway mark of the match, movement became tough for Kohli when sprinting between creases. With a thick wrap around his right hamstring, he stepped back to bat anyway, unwilling to leave his teammates short. Though pain showed now and then, his calm hold on the run chase never slipped – ending not out at 75 from just 42 deliveries, helping RCB edge through by five wickets in Ahmedabad. The way he guided the pursuit felt flawless, even if the body paid for it later.
One glance at the stats shows a player hitting his stride. Not just among the best, but standing tall – Kohli ended the tournament fourth on the list of leading scorers. His 675 runs came across 16 knocks, fueling RCB’s charge more than any other teammate. Averaging 56.25, he balanced patience with speed, striking at nearly 166. There was one hundred, bold and commanding, alongside five half-centuries that built pressure steadily. Every number adds up to dominance.
A Season of Dominance Cut Short
Out of luck again, just when he thought things were settling. After stepping away from Test cricket back in May 2025, then leaving T20s behind following that trophy lift in 2024, his path narrowed sharply – only ODIs left now. Focused entirely on the fifty-over game, he’s shaping these last years around one target: June 2027.
That ODI stretch? Absolutely electric. Finishing 2025, he topped India’s charts – 651 runs across 13 games, averaged 65.10, smashed four hundreds, added three fifties along the way. Momentum didn’t fade one bit entering 2026; faced New Zealand next, piled up 240 runs through three fixtures, another hundred tucked in, plus a solid fifty.
Eight hundred ninety one runs. That is what he made in sixteen games since last year, averaging sixty eight fifty three. His striking speed? Ninety eight forty five. Four times past one hundred, five times past fifty. Victory in the ICC Champions Trophy did not happen without him. India lifted the trophy after his presence shaped their path.
True, ever since that Australia trip last year – when he shifted full-time to ODIs – he’s piled up 616 runs across nine games, averaging 88 while striking at 106.39, including three hundreds alongside three half-centuries.
Back on top, Kohli now leads the ICC’s ODI batting list again – his first time there since mid-2021. With eyes set on staying strong ahead of 2027’s big tournament, he showed up last season for domestic games despite bigger commitments. Two knocks brought 208 runs, one being a rapid 131 from only 101 deliveries versus Andhra.
Implications for the Afghanistan Series
Starting June 13 in Dharamsala, the one-day series versus Afghanistan kicks off. Next up, Lucknow hosts a game on June 17, then Chennai steps in on June 20. Supposed to be Kohli’s comeback to international play since January’s match against New Zealand. That idea, though, has hit pause.
Right now, the BCCI hasn’t put out any official word about filling Kohli’s spot. Word is he’s spending time in Europe, relaxing after winning the IPL. With him away, there’s talk that Yashasvi Jaiswal might come into the group later on. Instead of rushing, the selection team may look at Ruturaj Gaikwad, or perhaps Devdutt Padikkal, even Tilak Varma, when sorting the middle lineup.
Out on the sidelines, worries grow for India as seasoned opener Rohit Sharma remains uncertain for the upcoming series. Named in the squad, though his spot hinges on medical approval following a hamstring issue that disrupted his IPL run. Word from inside BCCI circles says he hasn’t shown up at the Centre of Excellence for evaluation just yet. Clearance still waiting, nothing confirmed.
Leading India’s ODI team is Shubman Gill, while Shreyas Iyer steps into the deputy role. A mix of players fills the roster – KL Rahul alongside Ishan Kishan handling wicketkeeping duties. Among them are Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav. Rounding out the group: Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, plus Harsh Dubey tagged at the tail.
Delhi Capitals (DC) XI:
KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (C), Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, T. Natarajan, and Lungi Ngidi.
Options: Sameer Rizvi / Ashutosh Sharma.
The scenario BCCI feared is here. What's next?#ViratKohli #RohitSharma #BCCI #TeamIndiahttps://t.co/7Kez4hQwW3
— HT Sports (@SportsbyHT) June 4, 2026
विराट कोहली हैमस्ट्रिंग में चोट के कारण अफगानिस्तान के साथ odi सीरीज से बाहर हो गए हैं ।
— प्रियदर्शी (@priyadar_singh) June 4, 2026
IPL फाइनल में ही उनको दिक्कत होने लगी थी। pic.twitter.com/SW9U0b4gS1
The Road Ahead
Now uncertain is Kohli’s spot on the England trip, with three ODIs set between July 14 and July 19. His presence hinges on how quickly the body responds – no guarantees yet.
Right now, attention turns to the standalone Test beginning June 6 at Mullanpur – India’s lineup missing Kohli, Rohit, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Jasprit Bumrah. Over there, Afghanistan marches under Hashmatullah Shahidi minus Rashid Khan for the five-day match, although that top spinner should show up later during the ODIs.
Now it is time for the man who shaped India’s batting across almost twenty years to do a rare thing – stay put, let the body mend.
Waiting feels different when you’re close to the game. Big returns rarely rush. When the past speaks, pauses like this whisper what’s next.
FAQs
- Why is Virat Kohli not playing the Afghanistan ODI series?
Kohli suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final while batting for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans.
- Who will lead India in the ODI series against Afghanistan?
Shubman Gill will captain the Indian team in the three-match ODI series, with Shreyas Iyer as vice captain.
- When will Virat Kohli return to international cricket?
There is no confirmed timeline yet. His participation in the England ODI series starting July 14, 2026 remains uncertain depending on his recovery.
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