Virat Kohli Ruled Out of ODI Series Against Afghanistan Due to Hamstring Injury

Indian batsman Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury, dealing a significant blow to India’s middle-order ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.

The 37-year-old, who played through visible discomfort during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 final victory on May 31, will miss the series scheduled to begin on June 13 in Dharamsala. According to sources, the injury was aggravated during the high-intensity IPL campaign.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce a replacement for Kohli. The team will be led by Shubman Gill, with Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer expected to shoulder additional responsibility in the batting lineup. India remain strong favourites against Afghanistan despite the setback.

Kohli, a veteran of over 300 ODIs, had returned to the white-ball setup recently after a brief break. Fans have expressed disappointment on social media, with many wishing him a speedy recovery.

This development comes as India prepares for crucial bilateral engagements in the lead-up to the next World Cup.