Jaiswal replaces injured Kohli for ODIs against Afghanistan, Rohit, Hardik set for fitness test
Mumbai, June 6
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been drafted in to replace an injured Virat Kohli for India's three‑match ODI series against Afghanistan beginning June 13 in Dharamsala, while Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are set to feature subject to them getting fitness clearance.
Kohli, who now plays for India in ODIs, was visibly struggling while anchoring Royal Challengers Bengaluru's chase in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, where he hit a match-winning 75 not out. The injury to his right hamstring has since aggravated, thus ruling him out of the series against Afghanistan.
Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar said Kohli is expected to be fit for ODIs against England, to be played in July. "It's just less than a week since he injured himself in the IPL final. Don't know the timelines yet, looks like he might be fit for England ODIs. Not a definitive squad, don't have a timeline from the physio yet," he said in the press conference at the BCCI headquarters on Saturday.
Jaiswal's last ODI appearance was on December 6, 2025, against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, where he hit an unbeaten 116 runs off 121 balls, his maiden century in the 50-over format internationally.
Meanwhile, seam-bowling all-rounder Pandya is undergoing rehab at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru since June 2 after back injury kept him out of a few games in IPL 2026
Rohit, meanwhile, will also report to the CoE in coming two-three days to get a fitness clearance after a hamstring injury forced him to miss a few matches for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. "We follow the usual process for injured players. We're awaiting their final fitness clearance," added Agarkar.
Following the opening ODI in Dharamshala, India and Afghanistan will play two more ODIs in Lucknow and Chennai on June 17 and 20 respectively. After this, the selectors are slated to announce India's squad for ODIs against England at a later date.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Another injury concern for Indian cricket. Kohli's hamstring, Hardik's back, Rohit's hamstring... seems like the rigorous IPL schedule is taking a toll. Maybe it's time to rest our senior players more often against weaker teams like Afghanistan and give youngsters like Jaiswal more game time.
Honestly, watching Kohli limp in the IPL final was heartbreaking. He's such a warrior but these recurring injuries worry me 😟 Jaiswal is a more than capable replacement though - that kid has so much hunger! Looking forward to seeing him open with Gill against Afghanistan.
Good move by selectors to include Jaiswal. But I hope this isn't rushed - we need clarity on fitness timelines. Also, why is BCCI waiting for Rohit and Hardik to travel to Bengaluru for fitness tests? In this digital age, can't they do these assessments remotely? Just seems inefficient.
Jaiswal's unbeaten 116 against South Africa was incredible! But I'm more excited about the ODIs in Lucknow and Chennai - those pitches will offer something for spinners. Our squad depth is amazing - even without Kohli, we have so many talented players waiting in the wings 🇮🇳🏏
Respectful criticism: The BCCI needs to explain why they're allowing players to play the full IPL when they're clearly nursing injuries. Kohli was limping in the final - should have been rested earlier. Now we risk losing him for the important England series. Player management needs improvement!
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