The Indian cricket team has suffered a major setback ahead of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting on June 13. Star batsman Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the entire series due to a hamstring injury.
He sustained the injury during the final match of the recently concluded IPL 2026 season played against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad and requires at least two weeks of complete rest to fully recover.
The BCCI has confirmed that young left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal will replace Kohli in the 15-member squad. Jaiswal, already a key member of the Test team, now has a crucial opportunity to prove his mettle in the 50-over format.
Kohli’s absence is not the only concern for the national selection committee; serious doubts remain regarding the fitness of senior players Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, both of whom missed several key matches during the IPL season due to fitness issues.
Rohit Sharma is also currently battling a hamstring injury and has not yet reported to any BCCI medical facility. Meanwhile, selectors are seeking assurance regarding Hardik Pandya’s physical readiness to bowl his full quota of 10 overs.
Given the uncertainty surrounding both senior players, selectors are keeping backup options ready. Ruturaj Gaikwad, a consistent performer in domestic cricket, is currently on standby and could be drafted into the squad if Rohit fails his upcoming fitness test.
A primary concern for the team management is long-term workload management. Selectors want key players to be fully fit ahead of the high-profile multi-format tour of the United Kingdom and the subsequent two-Test series against Sri Lanka in August.
The Indian ODI squad will assemble in Chandigarh today and begin a preparatory camp at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The first match of the series will be played under floodlights in Dharamsala, followed by matches in Lucknow and Chennai.
