India may be forced into a significant squad change ahead of the ODI series against Afghanistanwith Virat Kohli will likely be unavailable due to a hamstring injury. The veteran was injured during the impact IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT)where he scored a match-winning unbeaten knock to guide RCB to their second consecutive title.
Reports suggest that Kohli has been advised to rest for at least two weeks, putting his availability for the three-match ODI series starting in Dharamsala on June 13 in serious doubt. The selectors are expected to make late adjustments to the squad as India prepares to embark on their first ODI fixture after the IPL and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star has emerged as the prime candidate to fill the vacancy.
Virat Kohli is racing against time after his IPL final injury
Kohli played a match-winning innings of 75 in the IPL 2026 final to lead RCB to their second consecutive title. However, reports suggest that the former India captain suffered knee discomfort while batting in the chase. Although he completed the innings with no visible limitations, further medical tests reportedly confirmed the injury. As a precautionary measure, Kohli has been advised to take a break from competitive cricket for at least two weeks.
While the recovery timeline means he could potentially return in time for the third ODI of the series on June 20, the BCCI is unlikely to take any chances with one of its most important ODI players. India will also play a white ball tour England plans to prioritize workload management in July. Now retired from T20Is and Test cricket, Kohli’s focus remains firmly on the ODI format and India’s preparations for the tournament. 2027 ODI World Cup.
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The CSK captain is emerging as the frontrunner for a recall
With Kohli’s presence in serious doubt, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is said to have emerged as the main candidate to fill the vacancy in the squad. Gaikwad was selected first India A tour Sri Lankahe was expected to serve as vice-captain under him Tilak Varma. However, reports suggest that the selectors are now considering promoting Kohli to the senior ODI set-up following his injury.
The right-handed batsman last represented India in ODIs South Africa the series that was admired by its brilliant age. Gaikwad scored 105 runs off just 83 deliveries in Raipur and showed his ability to close the innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate. Overall, he played nine ODIs for India, scoring 228 runs including a century and a half-century. His consistent performances in domestic cricket over the last one year have kept him firmly in the race for a national comeback.
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