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Virat Kohli, long regarded as one of India’s most physically fit cricketers, now appears to be grappling with the inevitable toll of time. Recent reports had indicated that the batting superstar might sit out the upcoming India vs Afghanistan ODI series due to a hamstring issue. However, fresh developments have deepened the concern among Indian cricket supporters.

Kohli was in exceptional touch during the IPL 2026 season, playing a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic second IPL title. Over the course of 16 challenging matches, he amassed 675 runs at an average exceeding 50, maintaining a stellar strike rate close to 165 — a feat that reflects his enduring class and consistency.

One of Kohli’s finest performances came in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans, where he delivered yet another masterclass in a run chase. The veteran batter scored an unbeaten 75, guiding RCB to a memorable win and sealing their championship glory.

The final once again underlined Kohli’s ability to rise under pressure. At the Narendra Modi Stadium, he also registered the fastest half-century of his IPL career, helping RCB earn their place among the league’s most celebrated title-winning teams.

Yet, the same match sparked fresh injury concerns. Kohli appeared to sustain a hamstring strain during the game, possibly following a fall or minor collision in the closing stages of Gujarat’s innings. Despite this, he remained composed and later batted with determination.

As RCB’s chase progressed, visible signs of discomfort began to emerge. Kohli seemed to struggle while running between the wickets and was seen limping intermittently. Several stoppages allowed the team physio to assess and treat him, but the seasoned star continued to bat through the pain, remaining unbeaten until the winning shot was struck.

Earlier reports had suggested that Kohli would sit out the ODI series against Afghanistan, scheduled to begin on June 13. Ruturaj Gaikwad was believed to be the leading contender to replace him in the squad. Those same reports indicated that Kohli was expected to return for the three-match ODI series against England, which is set to start on July 14, 2026, following a five-match T20I series between the two sides.

However, the latest update points to a longer recovery timeline than initially anticipated. While surgery won’t be required, Times of India’s senior sports journalist Gaurav Gupta stated that the former India captain might need at least six weeks to achieve full fitness.

Interestingly, both of India’s senior-most cricketing icons — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — have faced injury setbacks in recent months. As they move into the latter stages of their illustrious careers, maintaining peak fitness levels has become an increasingly difficult task, particularly given the relentless nature of international cricket schedules.

Rohit Sharma had encountered a hamstring issue earlier in the IPL season, while Kohli’s problem surfaced near the tournament’s conclusion. For more than a decade, these two stalwarts have formed the backbone of India’s success across all formats.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, recurring injuries to both veterans could present significant challenges for team management. Though the tournament is still some distance away, reduced match time and lower competitive intensity could disrupt their long-term preparation for the global event.

On the brighter side, these circumstances offer India’s selectors and coaching staff a valuable opportunity to test bench strength under varied conditions. Such strategic planning could prove crucial if senior players face untimely fitness issues closer to the World Cup.

That said, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may need to remain active in domestic cricket to maintain match readiness and enhance their prospects for inclusion in India’s 2027 World Cup campaign. Both will undoubtedly be motivated to complete the unfinished mission that began with the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup.