Star batter Virat Kohli will miss India’s three‑match ODI series against Afghanistan starting June 13 due to a hamstring injury, according to a BCCI source.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed that Kohli sustained the injury recently, ruling him out of the upcoming series. His absence compounds India’s fitness worries, as Rohit Sharma’s availability remains uncertain following his IPL 2026 injury.
Kohli’s setback comes just days after his match‑winning performance in the IPL 2026 final, where he scored an unbeaten 75 to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second consecutive title. He finished the season with 675 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 166, showcasing remarkable form at 37.
The BCCI source stated, “He is out of the ODI series due to a hamstring injury.” The timing of the injury remains unclear, though it may have occurred during the IPL final in Ahmedabad.
Kohli’s absence opens opportunities for young players to step up ahead of the ICC 2027 World Cup preparations. Team management will look to test new combinations while monitoring the recovery of senior players.
Despite the setback, Kohli’s recent comments reflected his determination: “I take pride in getting better and figuring out areas to improve.” His focus on adapting to modern cricket’s demands continues to inspire India’s next generation.
