India have come up with a great disappointment ahead of their series against Afghanistan in the ODI format, with Virat Kohli likely to miss the three-match series due to a hamstring injury.
Given that the experienced batter is unavailable for the series opener preparation, the Indian team management is left with no choice but to act on their own without one of the most reliable players in ODI cricket. The series is set to kick off in Dharamsala on June 13, and the first ODI between India and Pakistan following the IPL season.
Virat Kohli Ruled Out After Hamstring Injury
Kohli left out in the middle of an impressive campaign in the Indian Premier League.Kohli’s exclusion follows another great Indian Premier League campaign. The veteran hitter played a pivotal role in the title defence of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, during the tournament he played a century and five fifties, scoring 675 runs. He also delivered key games in stressful games this season.
The injury comes at a bad time for India, as Kohli is still a dominant player in the 50-over format. He has retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, but his consistency and experience make him valuable addition to the ODI squad of the team.
Meanwhile, India’s selection and medical team is keeping a close eye on the captain Rohit Sharma as well. The opener has been grappling with his fitness issue since he got injured in the hamstring during the IPL. The decision on his involvement in the whole of the Afghanistan series will hinge on his response to the continuous evaluation.
What This Means for India’s ODI Plans
The future of the senior Indian players remains uncertain with the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup still to come. But Kohli and Rohit are likely to be a key component of India’s ODI team for the foreseeable future as long as they continue to stay fit and in form.
The Afghanistan series will be held at three different locations starting from Dharamsala and then to Lucknow and Chennai. After the home assignment, India will focus on a three-match ODI series against England from mid-July.
Indian fans, meanwhile, will be hoping the Virat Kohli injury is not severe enough to keep the batting icon away from the field and for him to be in full form for the tests that await him later this season.
India vs Afghanistan ODI Series Schedule
1st ODI: Dharamsala – June 13
2nd ODI: Lucknow – June 17
+3rd ODI: Chennai – June 20