Morkel calls Virat Kohli's unavailability "big miss", says Rohit Sharma is "excited to go" for Afghanistan ODI series opener
Dharamsala, June 12
Team India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, said the Men in Blue will miss the services Virat Kohli in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, after the legendary batter was ruled out of the home series due to a hamstring injury. Furthermore, Morkel welcomed another veteran, Rohit Sharma's comeback to the Indian side, saying that the latter is "excited to go" for the series-opener.
After winning the one-off Test against Afghanistan, India will kick the ODI series off with the first match at Dharamsala on June 13.
Notably, Team India have been sweating over the availability of the veteran duo of Kohli and Rohit, both now exclusively ODI players, owing to their fitness issues. While Kohli sustained the hamstring injury during the Indian Premier League IPL (IPL) 2026 final, Rohit had also been facing hamstring issues and was in a rehabilitation process at the COE (Centre of Excellence).
Ahead of the first Afghanistan ODI, Morkel said that Kohli will be a big loss for India in the ODI series, particularly because of his experience and ability to anchor the innings in the middle overs.
"Obviously a big miss, with Virat. He is one of the senior players in the team. The way he goes about his innings in that middle phase especially is something we'll miss. Unfortunately, we can't control injuries and all of that. It's a new opportunity for somebody now in this series to go out and fulfil that role. And we're excited and looking forward to that," Morkel said at the pre-match press conference.
On the other hand, Morkel welcomed the return of Rohit Sharma, highlighting the experience and calmness he brings to the team. He said Rohit is training well, moving freely, and is eager to return to action in the ODI series opener against Afghanistan.
"With Rohit, always nice to have his experience back as well. Just the calmness that he brings to the dressing room is always positive to have. He is training well, he is moving well. So I'm thinking - I know that he's also excited to go tomorrow," Morkel said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit worried about Kohli's recurring injuries. He's been carrying the team for years, and now with him being exclusively in ODIs, we need him fit for the Champions Trophy next year. Hope they manage his workload properly. Rohit's return is great news – he brings that experience and aggression.
Big miss for sure, but let's see it as an opportunity for some youngsters. Maybe Gill or Jaiswal can step up in the middle overs? Rohit back is massive – his form in IPL was top-notch. Excited for Dharamsala! 🏏
Kohli's absence is a big gap, but I'd rather have him fully fit than rushed back. Rohit should be the anchor now – he's been in good nick. Morkel's comments about Rohit's "calmness" are spot on. Let's back the team and hope we dominate Afghanistan at home! 🇮🇳
I really appreciate Morkel's honesty about Kohli. It's refreshing to have a coach who speaks openly and doesn't sugarcoat things. But honestly, I feel for the young player who has to step into Kohli's shoes – that's a huge weight. Rohit's return is perfect timing though. Let's see if they can make a statement in this series.
Rohit Sharma back in action – what a relief! His calm presence is exactly what we need in this transition phase. And Kohli's injury is unfortunate, but better
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