Reason, return date and replication

Virat Kohli’s exclusion from Afghanistan ODI 2026 has emerged as a major blow for India ahead of the three-match ODI series starting on June 13. The former India captain has been sidelined from the squad after suffering a hamstring injury during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL 2026 final win.

Chairman of selection committee Ajit Agarkar confirmed the absence of Virat Kohli, while Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named as his replacement. The development is significant as India shape their ODI plans for the 2027 World Cup.

Why is Virat Kohli not playing in Afghanistan ODI – official reason

The official reason behind Virat Kohli’s withdrawal from the Afghanistan ODI series is the hamstring injury suffered during the IPL 2026 final.

Virat Kohli suffered the injury during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s title-winning campaign. While RCB won the trophy, the batting star was ruled out of India’s next ODI due to injury.

Indian selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar confirmed this while announcing the squad for the Afghanistan series. Agarkar clarified that the medical team is still assessing Kohli’s recovery and there is currently no specific timeline for his return.

“At the moment with Virat, it’s been less than a week since he injured himself in the IPL final. We don’t know the timeline yet,” Agarkar said.

“But it looks like he could be fit for the England ODI series. It’s not a definite answer, so don’t hold me to it. I haven’t got a clear timeline from the physio yet.”

Following medical assessment, Kohli was advised to rest and focus on rehabilitation rather than risk aggravating the injury.

Considering the importance of Kohli in the ODI setup, the Indian management has adopted a cautious approach. Since he now plays only ODI cricket for India after retiring from both Test and T20 cricket, there is no point in recalling him before he is fully fit.

With a busy ODI calendar and the 2027 World Cup slowly approaching, maintaining Kohli’s fitness has become a priority.

When is Virat Kohli’s next match? Latest return date updated

The latest update suggests that Virat Kohli’s comeback date could come during India’s ODI series against England starting July 14 in 2026.

According to reports, Kohli is recovering well and responding positively to the treatment after his hamstring injury. While the BCCI is yet to issue a formal fitness clearance, the England series is currently seen as the most realistic target for his comeback.

The positive signs from his rehabilitation will be a big relief for Indian cricket fans.

Kohli’s absence against Afghanistan is undoubtedly a blow, but hopefully if his recovery continues as planned, India will have him available for the big challenge against England.

Timing is crucial as ODI cricket has become Kohli’s sole international focus. After moving away from T20I and Test cricket, every ODI series now holds extra importance for the experienced batsman.

His availability will be especially important as India continue to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The management wants its senior players to be fit and available, while also testing the combinations around them.

However, at this stage, the England series remains a target rather than a definite return date. Before getting the green signal, Kohli will have to complete his recovery and satisfy the medical staff.

Who will replace Virat Kohli in India’s ODI team against Afghanistan?

India have officially named Yashasvi Jaiswal as Kohli’s replacement for the Afghanistan ODIs.

The left-handed batsman has had a great start to his ODI career since making his debut against England in February 2025. Although he has played only four matches in this format so far, he has already shown his potential at the international level.

His standout performance came against South Africa in Visakhapatnam in December 2025, where he scored an unbeaten 116. That innings remains his most significant ODI contribution and highlights why the selectors continue to invest in him.

Jaiswal’s inclusion creates the possibility of an interesting batting line-up for India. With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill expected to open, India could use Jaiswal or Ishan Kishan at No. 3 as Kohli’s replacement while Shreyas Iyer will be kept in his established middle-order role. The management is unlikely to change Iyer’s position merely to cover Kohli’s absence.

Whatever combination India choose, Kohli’s absence creates an opportunity for younger players to stake their claim.

The Afghanistan series may not have as much pressure as the major ICC tournaments, but it does give India valuable information about their batting depth ahead of future appointments.

India’s XI with and without Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s ODI form in 2025-26 and why his absence matters

India would love to enter the Afghanistan series with Kohli available as he is in excellent form.

His recent ODI performance came during India’s home series against New Zealand earlier this year. Despite India losing the series 2–1, Kohli finished as their leading run-scorer with 240 runs at an average of 80 and a strike rate of 105.26.

His performances included scores of 124, 93 and 23, displaying both consistency and authority at the crease.

If we look at his last 10 ODI innings, Kohli’s figures become even more impressive. He recorded three centuries, one half-century and two unbeaten innings while handling India’s batting lineup.

That form carried straight into IPL 2026

Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kohli scored 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84. He played a major role in RCB’s successful title campaign, scoring one century and five half-centuries.

These figures explain why India would have preferred to have him available against Afghanistan.

His presence brings stability, experience and the ability to control the innings in pressure situations. Also, his absence provides an opportunity for India to test the options and evaluate young batsmen who can become important members of the India ODI World Cup 2027 squad.

Virat Kohli’s omission from Afghanistan ODI 2026 is undoubtedly disappointing news for India, but it may also help the selectors gather useful information about their bench strength.

Kohli will miss the Afghanistan series due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL final, while Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included in the squad as his replacement. The England ODI series starting on July 14 is the most likely target for his return, subject to fitness clearance. Until then, India have a valuable chance to assess the batting combination and build depth as preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup continue.