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One of the fittest cricketers India has ever produced, Virat Kohli, seems to be dealing with the inevitable effects of age, you can feel it. Recently, reports claimed that the star batter might miss the upcoming India vs Afghanistan ODI series because of a hamstring injury. But now, some fresh developments have made things look even more worrying, for Indian cricket fans mostly.

Kohli was in outstanding form during the IPL 2026 season and he played a real major role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic second IPL title triumph. During a tough run of 16 matches, the batting icon piled up 675 runs at an average above 50, while also holding a remarkable strike rate close to 165, which is honestly not easy at all.

Some of his most memorable work came in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans. In that match, the experienced batter turned out yet another masterclass in a run chase, he scored 75 runs and stayed unbeaten till the last ball, and that’s how RCB got a famous victory.

The final really showcased Kohli’s ability to deliver when the pressure is on yet again, if you ask me. He also pulled out the fastest fifty of his IPL career at the Narendra Modi Stadium, and he helped RCB stake a claim among the competition’s most celebrated, title winning teams.

Still, the very same final also stirred injury concerns. Kohli looked like he had a hamstring strain during the match. The exact instance is still a bit hazy, but he seemed to get caught up in a fall and then a collision during the closing stages of Gujarat Titans’ innings. Even with that setback, he looked quite composed when he came out to bat.

As RCB’s chase went on, however, hints of discomfort started showing more and more. Kohli seemed to struggle while running between the wickets and, was spotted limping on a few occasions. There were these frequent stoppages ,which gave the team physio a chance to examine and treat him. Still, the seasoned batter pushed on through the pain and stayed put at the crease until the winning runs were finally gathered.

Earlier reports had also pointed out that Kohli would miss the ODI series vs Afghanistan, which is scheduled to kick off on June 13. The selectors reportedly considered Ruturaj Gaikwad as the front-runner to take his place in the squad. Those same reports suggested that Kohli was likely to come back for the ODI series against England. India and England are scheduled to lock horns in a three-match ODI series starting on July 14, 2026, right after they finish a five-match T20I sequence.

However, a new update suggests that Kohli’s recovery could end up taking longer than initially expected. Even so, the injury does not require surgery, but noted sports journalist Gaurav Gupta of the Times of India said that the former India captain might need, at least six weeks, to get fully back on track.

Interestingly, two of India’s biggest cricketing stars, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have both been dealing with injuries in the last few months. And as they slip into the later phases of their careers, keeping top level fitness has become harder and harder, especially with the punishing international cricket calendar.

Rohit Sharma had a hamstring issue in the early phase of the IPL season, while Kohli got a somewhat similar problem close to the end of the tournament. For over a decade, these two have been kind of the main pillars in India success, across all formats of the game.

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Now with the 2027 ODI World Cup coming up, if injuries keep showing up for both of the veterans then, the team management might have to deal with some real tough choices. Even though the event is still far off, fewer matches, and lower intensity in games, can mess with their preparation, before the global stage.

On the positive side these circumstances kinda give India’s management a chance to look at backup players under different conditions, which is not a small thing. And this sort of planning could prove handy if at some point a senior player gets an untimely injury nearer to the World Cup.

That said, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma might need to keep themselves actively in domestic cricket, if they want to stay match fit and boost their odds, of landing in India’s 2027 World Cup squad. They’ll also be driven to finish that unfinished mission left behind after the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup.