Virat Kohli likely to miss Afghanistan ODI; The tension over Rohit Sharma continues

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli is likely to miss India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury. While the exact recovery timeline remains unclear, the former India captain is expected to be unavailable for the series. It is reliably learned that Kohli is holidaying in Europe after winning the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).Kohli was in fine form in the tournament – scoring 675 runs at an average of 56.25, scoring one hundred and five fifties – and top-scored with an unbeaten knock of 75 runs in the title clash against Gujarat Titans. While batting on May 31, he felt discomfort in his right hamstring and had the area heavily taped before resuming hitting. Meanwhile, uncertainty continues over Rohit Sharma’s participation. The former India captain is yet to report to the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) for fitness assessment and clearance, so his availability is in doubt. Rohit and Hardik Pandya have been picked in the squad undergoing a fitness test and while the all-rounder has signed up, the former skipper is yet to make it to Bengaluru.It is worth noting that the men’s senior selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, explored the possibility of resting the two veterans for three matches, but a late change of heart led to their inclusion. The selectors and team management suggested trying Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order with Shubman Gill, but Rohit kept his place.Interestingly, both players are dealing with hamstring issues that could open up two slots on the team. With Virat all but ruled out and Rohit yet to get clearance, Jaiswal could be a late addition to the squad and the selectors could also explore adding Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal or Tilak Varma to the middle-order mix.A decision is expected in the coming days as key officials meet on June 6 to select squads for the upcoming Ireland and England assignments.

IND vs AFG ODI Series Schedule

1st ODI: June 14, 2026 – Dharamsala – 1:30 PM IST2nd ODI: 17th June 2026 – Lucknow – 1:30 PM IST3rd ODI: June 20, 2026 – Chennai – 1:30 PM IST