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India may have to take on Afghanistan without one of their most experienced batters after reports claimed Virat Kohli has sustained a hamstring injury.
The issue is expected to rule him out of the forthcoming three-match ODI series against the Asian rivals.
Although the exact circumstances surrounding the injury remain unclear, reports suggest Kohli may have picked up the problem during the IPL 2026 final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 31 May.
Kohli’s reported absence has added to India’s growing injury concerns, with uncertainty also surrounding Rohit Sharma’s participation in the series.
Rohit suffered an injury during IPL 2026 and remains under fitness observation.
Selectors included both Rohit and Hardik Pandya in the squad pending medical clearance.
While Pandya has already linked up with the team, Rohit has yet to report to the camp in Bengaluru.
India will commence the ODI series against Afghanistan on 13 June at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
India and Afghanistan will meet in the second ODI at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on 17 June before they conclude the series at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on 20 June.
Before the injury setback, Kohli had continued to produce impressive performances in the 50-over format.
During 2025, Kohli accumulated 651 runs, including three centuries and four half-centuries. He also made a bright start to 2026, collecting 240 runs in only three ODIs against New Zealand and further strengthening his reputation as one of India’s most dependable batters.
The hamstring issue has also cast a shadow over Kohli’s involvement in India’s upcoming ODI tour of England.
The three-match series will likely take place between 14 and 19 July. Selectors and team officials will closely track his recovery progress in the coming weeks. They will make a final decision on his participation at a later stage.
Also Read: India To Tour New Zealand For 12-Match Multi-Format Series In 2026-27
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