Virat Kohli likely to miss Afghanistan ODIs; suspense continues over Rohit Sharma

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 learnt that Kohli is holidaying in Europe after winning the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).


Kohli was in sublime form in the tournament -- scoring 675 runs at an average of 56.25, posting one hundred and five fifties -- and top-scored with an unbeaten 75-run knock in the title clash against the Gujarat Titans. He felt discomfort in the right hamstring while batting on May 31 and had the area heavily taped before resuming his knock.




Meanwhile, uncertainty continues over Rohit Sharma's participation. The former India skipper has yet to report to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) for a fitness assessment and clearance, leaving his availability in doubt. Rohit and Hardik Pandya were picked in the squad subject to fitness clearance and while the all-rounder has checked in, the former captain is yet to reach Bengaluru.


It is worth noting that the men's senior selection committee chaired by Ajit Agarkar, had explored resting the two veterans for the three fixtures but a late change of heart led to their inclusion.


The selectors and team management had suggested trying Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order with Shubman Gill but Rohit managed to keep his spot.



Interestingly, both players are dealing with hamstring issues, which could open up two slots in the squad. With Virat all but ruled out and Rohit yet to get clearance, Jaiswal could be a late addition into the squad and the selectors could also explore adding Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal or Tilak Varma in the middle-order mix.


A decision is expected in the coming days as the key decision-makers will meet on June 6 to pick squads for the upcoming white-ball assignments in Ireland and England.

IND vs AFG ODI Series Schedule

1st ODI: June 14, 2026 – Dharamsala – 1:30 PM IST
2nd ODI: June 17, 2026 – Lucknow – 1:30 PM IST
3rd ODI: June 20, 2026 – Chennai – 1:30 PM IST