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virat kohli Injury Report Leaves India Worried (Image: Internet)
New Delhi: Former India captain Virat Kohli is likely to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after reportedly suffering a hamstring injury. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not issued an official statement, media reports suggest that the batter may not recover in time for the series.
Kohli had been included in India’s ODI squad and was expected to return to international cricket following his appearance in the IPL 2026 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
According to reports, the injury is believed to have occurred during the latter stages of the IPL. Concerns over his fitness have since grown, prompting uncertainty over his availability for national selection.
Hamstring injuries are known to require careful rehabilitation, and premature return can increase the risk of aggravation. Team management is therefore expected to avoid rushing him back into competitive action.
Sources indicate that the Indian team management is leaning toward a conservative approach, prioritising Kohli’s long-term fitness over immediate participation. With a packed international calendar ahead, medical staff are reportedly focused on ensuring full recovery before his return.
Kohli remains a crucial figure in India’s ODI setup despite having stepped away from other formats. His potential absence would create a notable gap in the batting order and force the selectors to reassess combinations.
The Afghanistan series was seen as an important opportunity for India to fine-tune preparations ahead of upcoming ICC events. If Kohli is ruled out, it could open the door for younger players to take on greater responsibility in the middle order.
The situation could become more challenging if Rohit Sharma is also unavailable due to fitness concerns, potentially leading to a reshuffled and younger-looking Indian side.
Players such as Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan provide depth and flexibility, offering the team several batting options depending on availability.
As of now, Kohli’s absence remains unconfirmed, with no official medical update from the BCCI. A final decision is expected after further assessment by the medical team in coordination with selectors.
The upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan is likely to test India’s bench strength as the team navigates potential changes in its senior batting lineup.
