Why Is Virat Kohli Ruled Out Of IND vs AFG ODI Series 2026?: The Indian cricket team has suffered a major setback just before the start of Afghanistan’s 2026 tour of India. The team’s senior and star batsman, Virat Kohli, has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series. This news has heightened concerns for both Indian cricket fans and the team management, as the Indian squad is currently immersed in preparations for major upcoming ICC tournaments.
Reason Revealed: Why Virat Kohli Is Missing India vs Afghanistan ODIs
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It is reported that former captain and veteran batsman Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series—set to begin on June 13—due to an injury. Fans had high hopes that Virat would unleash a flurry of runs in this series; however, this unexpected injury has forced him to remain sidelined. Before the ODI series, a solitary Test match between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to be played from June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.
When And How Did Virat Kohli Get Injured In IPL 2026?
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Virat Kohli sustained this injury during the final match of the recently concluded IPL 2026 season. During the marquee clash played against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, Kohli experienced a minor hamstring issue. However, despite the injury, the veteran batsman did not leave the field; instead, he played an unbeaten, match-winning innings of 75* off 42 balls, playing a pivotal role in guiding his team to their second consecutive IPL championship title.
Virat Kohli Injury Update: How Serious Is The Hamstring Injury?
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It is worth noting that the full extent of the severity of Kohli’s injury is yet to be ascertained. The BCCI’s medical team is keeping a close watch on his recovery process.
However, this comes as a major psychological and technical blow for both India and this legendary right-handed batsman, particularly as they are currently immersed in preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled for next year—a period where his fitness is of paramount importance to the team.
Virat Kohli: Recent ODI Stats and Form Analysis
The former captain has not only set the stage ablaze with his bat during the 2026 IPL, delivering spectacular performances, but has also displayed exceptional form while representing the Indian team in ODI cricket. His recent statistics serve as compelling evidence of this:
- 2025 Performance: Kohli concluded the year 2025 with a magnificent average of 65.10, amassing a total of 651 runs—a tally that included three explosive centuries.
- Start of 2026: At the beginning of this year, he featured in a three-match series against New Zealand, during which he smashed 240 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 105.26.
Who Will Replace Virat Kohli in the India vs Afghanistan ODI Squad?
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Virat Kohli’s absence from the ODI series creates a significant void in the middle order. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet officially announced a replacement for Virat Kohli. It will now be intriguing to observe which young player the selectors decide to give an opportunity to in Kohli’s stead, and who ultimately steps up to shoulder the responsibility of batting at number 3 or 4.
Also Read: IND vs AFG: 3 Players to Replace Virat Kohli in Team India ODI Squad
