Virat Kohli will be missing the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan that starts on June 13 following a hamstring injury in the final of IPL 2026.
A BCCI source told a private news agency that he was “out of the ODI series” due to a hamstring injury.
Kohli utilised a golden opportunity in the final against Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31 with his unbeaten 75 runs off 42 balls, leading RCB to their second consecutive IPL title.
However, fans noticed during his performance that he struggled to run during the closing stages of the grand finale.
Sources suggest that subsequent scans have shown a tear in the semimembranosus tendon at its distal attachment. However, currently, the seriousness of the injury and the timeline of his healing process are still unknown.
Read more: Virat Kohli quits Instagram? Fans left confused
The news is a major demoralising blow to the Indian team as they gear up for the upcoming Afghanistan series from June 13 to 20.
Worse, it remains unclear if either of their big batters is fit for the series, after Rohit Sharma suffered an injury in IPL 2026, and the loss of both of these experienced batters is a big problem for India.
But Kohli’s departure paves the way for younger Indian batters to make their debut in international cricket.
The Afghanistan series, considered by many as a developmental chance for Afghanistan, is now of significance for the players on the fringes.
On the IPL side, the bar was set high by Kohli as he scored 675 runs in 16 matches and had a remarkable strike rate of 165.85.
His performance in IPL was consistent with his reputation.
Also read: Anushka Sharma wipes Virat Kohli’s tears after IPL trophy win
