Virat Kohli out, Yashasvi Jaiswal in; former Indian cricketer calls it ’embarrassment of riches’

Yashasvi Jaiswal replaces Virat Kohli (AP Photo) Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan believes that Virat Kohli’s absence in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan could prove to be a blessing for Team India. According to Wassan, the break will help manage Kohli’s workload ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup while also creating opportunities for new talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal.Kohli was ruled out of the ODI series after suffering a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final on 31 May. Despite the injury, the star batsman remained unbeaten on 75 and played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign, helping the franchise secure back-to-back IPL trophies. What was initially thought to be cramps was later confirmed to be a hamstring problem.The three-match ODI series against Afghanistan begins on June 13 in Dharamsala, with the remaining matches being played in Lucknow and Chennai. In Kohli’s absence, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was drafted into the squad. Jaiswal last featured in an ODI against South Africa where he scored a century.Speaking to ANI, Wassan welcomed the decision to rest Kohli.“I’m actually happy with this news of Virat Kohli missing this series against Afghanistan. I thought it would be overkill for Virat to play every single series until the next World Cup. Looking at the intensity on his body during the IPL and the way he plays in such heat at his age, I think it would be pragmatic if he sits anyway,” Wassan said.The former cricketer likened Kohli’s workload management to Jasprit Bumrah’s pace management and stressed the importance of retaining key players for big ICC tournaments.“We have to take a balanced look at how we use Bumrah these days. These are two guys we have to put in the batting because we want to take them to the next World Cup. That’s where every team wants their best players available and performing,” he added.Wassan also highlighted the depth of Indian cricket and pointed out that Kohli’s absence opens the door for players of Jaiswal’s calibre.“Imagine Virat leaving and Jaiswal coming in. Can you imagine the embarrassment of riches that Indian cricket has? Even a player like Yashasvi Jaiswal is struggling to find a regular place in the ODI side and now he’s getting an opportunity. I think it’s a win-win situation for India. I’m actually not bothered one bit and not playing for Virat, it wasn’t good.” Looking ahead, Wassan stressed that Kohli’s experience will be vital during India’s ODI tour of England, which begins on July 14.“On the England tour, because we’re playing in England, I think we’ll need him there to rally. I think it’s the perfect result for us,” he concluded.Kohli enjoyed a remarkable IPL 2026 campaign, scoring 675 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.25 and a career-best strike rate of 165.85. India’s next ODI assignment after the Afghanistan series is the tour of England and chief selector Ajit Agarkar has hinted that Kohli could return for the series if his recovery progresses as expected in the coming weeks.