India Suffer Massive Setback As Virat Kohli Misses Afghanistan ODIs With Hamstring Injury

India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup have suffered an early setback, with Virat Kohli reportedly ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury. The development comes just days after the batting icon finished a remarkable IPL 2026 campaign and was expected to make his return to international cricket.

Hamstring Injury Forces Kohli Out of ODI Comeback

Kohli was set to rejoin the national side following the conclusion of IPL 2026, but the injury has delayed his return. According to a PTI report, the former India captain will not be available for the Afghanistan series, which begins on June 13 in Dharamsala.

"He is out of the ODI series due to a hamstring injury," a BCCI source told the news agency.

His absence is a major blow for India, especially with the team looking to build momentum in the 50-over format ahead of the next ODI World Cup cycle.

Stellar IPL 2026 Campaign Ended on a High

The injury comes at a surprising time given Kohli's outstanding form and fitness levels during the recently concluded IPL season. The 37-year-old played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful title defence, helping the franchise secure its second consecutive IPL trophy.

Kohli delivered a match-winning half-century in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad and finished the tournament as RCB's highest run-scorer. Across 16 innings, he amassed 675 runs at an average of 56.25 and an impressive strike rate of 165.84. He ended the season as the fourth-highest run-getter overall.

Widely regarded as one of the fittest cricketers in world cricket, Kohli appeared to be in prime condition throughout the tournament before the latest setback emerged.

Kohli Answered Questions Over His ODI Future

The injury also arrives at a time when discussions around Kohli's international future have intensified following his retirement from T20 Internationals and Test cricket.

Any doubts surrounding his relevance in the ODI format were largely silenced by his performances in 2025. Kohli finished as the highest run-scorer in ODI cricket that year, collecting 651 runs from 13 innings at an average of 65.10 and a strike rate of 96.15.

His exceptional run included four centuries, three half-centuries, a triumphant ICC Champions Trophy campaign, a Player of the Series award against South Africa, and a return to the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI rankings for the first time in four years.

Despite those achievements, selectors and team management reportedly refrained from confirming that his place in India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup was guaranteed.

Determined to Stay in India's ODI Plans

Kohli further demonstrated his commitment to the 50-over format by participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season. The veteran batter scored 208 runs in just two matches, including a blistering 131 off 101 balls against Andhra and a half-century against Gujarat.

Those performances also helped him surpass Sachin Tendulkar as the fastest batter to reach 16,000 List A runs, adding another milestone to his illustrious career.

Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over captain Rohit Sharma's participation in the Afghanistan series. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier indicated that Rohit's availability would depend on his recovery from a hamstring injury that affected his appearances during IPL 2026.

With both senior stars facing fitness concerns, India's squad management will be closely monitored as the team begins its road towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.