India There can be a major reshuffle in the team before the ODI series afghanistanwith Virat Kohli Likely to be unavailable due to a hamstring injury. During this the experienced batsman got injured ipl 2026 last between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) And Gujarat Titans (GT)Where he played a match-winning unbeaten innings to guide RCB to their second consecutive title.
Reports suggest that Kohli has been advised rest for at least two weeks, raising serious doubts over his availability for the three-match ODI series starting on June 13 in Dharamshala. As India are set to begin their first ODI match after the IPL, the selectors are expected to make late adjustments to the squad, and a Chennai Super Kings (CSK) The star has emerged as the leading candidate to fill the vacancy.
Virat Kohli faces race against time after injury in IPL final
Kohli played a match-winning inning of unbeaten 75 runs in the final of IPL 2026 and took RCB to its second consecutive title. However, reports suggest that the former India captain experienced discomfort in his hamstring while batting during the chase. Despite completing the innings without visual limitations, subsequent medical examinations reportedly confirmed the injury. As a precautionary measure, Kohli has been advised to take a break of at least two weeks from competitive cricket.
Although 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 risks with one of its most important ODI players. India will also play white ball tour England Scheduled in July, making workload management a priority. Kohli, who has already retired from T20 and Test cricket, is focusing on the ODI format and India’s preparations. 2027 ODI World Cup.
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CSK captain has emerged as the front runner in the race for comeback.
Kohli’s participation with serious doubts, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to fill the vacancy in the team. Gaikwad was initially selected for India A trip to Sri Lankawhere he was expected to serve as vice-captain Tilak Verma. However, reports indicate that the selectors are now considering promoting Kohli to the senior ODI team following his injury.
The right-handed batsman last represented India in ODI South Africa The series, where he impressed with a brilliant century. Gaikwad scored 105 off just 83 balls in Raipur, showcasing his ability to carry an innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate. Overall, he has scored 228 runs in nine ODIs for India, including one century and one half-century. His consistent performances in domestic cricket last year have kept him firmly in the race for a comeback at the national level.
Also read: Big blow to Team India, Virat Kohli out of Afghanistan ODI series – Reports
