India are set to face a major setback ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with star batter Virat Kohli reportedly ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The veteran batter has been advised to take two weeks of rest after scans revealed a distal semimembranosus tendon tear, forcing him to miss the three-match series beginning on June 13 in Dharamshala.
With Kohli unavailable, Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has emerged as the frontrunner to replace him in the Indian squad. According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce Kohli’s replacement soon, and Gaikwad is currently the leading candidate despite enduring a relatively quiet IPL 2026 campaign.
The injury reportedly occurred during the IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans on May 31. Kohli appeared uncomfortable while running between the wickets but battled through the pain to produce a match-winning unbeaten 75 off just 42 balls. His heroic knock guided RCB to their second consecutive IPL title before medical scans later confirmed the extent of the injury.
Gaikwad’s potential promotion to the senior squad comes shortly after he was added to the India A team following an injury to Riyan Parag. If the Maharashtra batter is drafted into the national side, it could create an opportunity for Rajat Patidar to join the India A squad for the upcoming tri-series featuring Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A.
While Gaikwad’s recent form has come under scrutiny, selectors may view the 29-year-old as a reliable option with international experience. In nine ODI appearances, he has scored 228 runs, including one century and one half-century, and remains one of the country’s most technically sound top-order batters.
Kohli’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. The batting icon enjoyed an outstanding run in ODI cricket throughout 2025, finishing as India’s highest run-scorer in the format with 651 runs in 13 matches, including three centuries and four fifties. He carried that momentum into 2026 with a prolific series against New Zealand, where he amassed 240 runs in three matches, registering both a century and a half-century.
As India prepare for the Afghanistan challenge, all eyes will now be on the selectors’ final decision. If chosen, Gaikwad will have a golden opportunity to cement his place in the ODI setup while India wait for Kohli’s return to full fitness.
