The Indian selectors are expected to make a change in the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan following the exclusion of Virat Kohli due to a hamstring injury. Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to replace the Indian batting maestro against Afghanistan.
The 3 match ODI series which is slated to start on June 14 in Dharamsala will see no participation of Kohli, after the star batter sustained the injury in the IPL 2026 final. It is believed that the former India skipper picked up the injury while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans in their title victory.
Reports suggest that Kohli has been advised for an initial rest period of at least two weeks. While there is a slight chance of his recovery by the final ODI on June 20, selectors are highly unlikely to take a risk with his fitness for just a three-match series.
As a consequence, the senior selection committee has reportedly decided on a replacement, and an official confirmation is awaited.
Kohli Suffers Injury After IPL Final
It is understood that during Bengaluru's chase in the IPL final in Ahmedabad, Kohli felt a strain on his hamstring and needed some on-field treatment.
Even with that strain he continued batting and guided his side to a successful chase. Medical tests conducted post the game however revealed that he had indeed picked up a hamstring strain. The timing of this setback is crucial as India has an important series coming up against Afghanistan, and then are set to travel to England in July for a white-ball tour consisting of three ODIs against the Englishmen.
Also Read | Virat Kohli Ruled Out of India vs Afghanistan ODI Series Due to Hamstring Injury: Report
Changes Anticipated for India A Team
Not just Kohli is the victim. The injury has also altered the plans for India A squad for tri-series in Sri Lanka against Afghanistan. Rajat Patidar is set to find a place in the India A squad given the potential replacement is likely to find place in the senior ODI outfit.
Patidar captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru quite well in IPL 2026 and is expected to be rewarded in the change of guard. An official word on both the squads is likely soon.
Rohit Sharma & Hardik Pandya Await Fitness clearance
It is not only Kohli that poses Indian selection worries. Rohit Sharma, who was sidelined for large part of the IPL 2026 with a hamstring injury is still in the Indian ODI squad. However, his participation hinges on clearing the fitness test.
So far, no update on his evaluation at BCCI Centre of Excellence is known. If Rohit is ruled out of the tournament Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the leading contender to partner captain Shubman Gill as an opener.
Even Hardik Pandya is an area of concern, the all-rounder has been undergoing observation at the Centre of Excellence for his chronic back problem, and the team place depends on the clearance given to him for bowling.
Given the list of senior players down with injuries, it is likely that the Indian selectors would have to effect more changes in the team before the Afghanistan ODI series kicks-off.
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