Virat Kohli ruled out of Afghanistan ODI series; Yashasvi Jaiswal named replacement
Mumbai, June 6
India's batting heavyweight Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after sustaining a hamstring injury during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title-winning campaign in the Indian Premier League 2026 last month.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has replaced him in the squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar also said that Kohli could be fit for India's next ODI assignment, series against England starting July 14, but added that there is still "no clear timeline" from the physios regarding his return to action.
"BCCI Hon. Secretary Mr Devajit Saikia informs that Yashasvi Jaiswal will replace the injured Virat Kohli for the #INDvAFG ODI series," BCCI wrote in an Instagram post.
The ODI series against Afghanistan will consist of three matches and will start from June 13 onwards after a one-off Test between both sides at New Chandigarh.
"With Virat at this point, it's just been less than a week since he injured himself in the [IPL] finals. We don't know the timelines yet. But it looks like he might be fit for that England one-day series. It's not a definitive answer, so don't hold me to it. I haven't had a clear timeline from the physio yet," Agarkar said.
Kohli now plays only ODI cricket for India, having retired from T20Is and Test cricket. His most recent appearance came in the home series against New Zealand in January.
Virat finished the IPL as the fourth-highest run-getter and RCB's top-scorer with 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, with a century and five fifties, with the best score of 105*.
Jaiswal, who made his ODI debut against England in February 2025, has played four matches in the format so far. He registered his maiden ODI century with an unbeaten 116 against South Africa in Visakhapatnam in December 2025.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, the transition is happening! Jaiswal has been incredible in ODIs—that 116 against South Africa was pure class. Kohli's injury is unfortunate but it's time for the next generation to step up. Afghanistan series will be a good test for Jaiswal before the England series. 🇮🇳
My only worry is Jaiswal's inexperience against quality spin. Afghanistan has Rashid Khan and Mujeeb—they will test him. But good to see BCCI giving youngsters chances. Kohli should have managed his workload better after the IPL. Hamstrings are tricky!
One positive: Kohli will be fully rested for the England series, which is more important. Jaiswal is a like-for-like aggressive opener—his strike rate in ODIs is 100+. Perfect for modern day cricket. But I miss seeing Kohli's cover drives in blue jersey. 😢 Get well soon, King!
Good move by selectors. Jaiswal deserves this opportunity after his domestic carnage. But let's be real—Kohli's absence means we lose that experience in the middle order. Against Afghanistan, we can't take them lightly. They beat Sri Lanka recently and have a strong bowling attack. Hope our top order fires!
Honestly, BCCI should have managed Kohli's workload better during the IPL. He played every match like it was a final—that's the champion he is. But now we have Jaiswal, and I'm excited! He's got that X-factor. Just hope the team management doesn't t
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