Virat Kohli ruled out of ODI series against Afghanistan, BCCI names replacement

India have suffered a setback ahead of the upcoming three‑match ODI series against Afghanistan, with Virat Kohli ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The selectors have drafted in Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is expected to slot in as an opener in the playing XI.

Virat sustained the injury during the final of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Gujarat Titans (GT). His hamstring was heavily strapped during the game, yet he produced a match‑winning performance.

Kohli scored an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, striking nine fours and three sixes at a blistering strike rate of 178.57. His innings guided RCB to their second consecutive IPL title, earning him the Player of the Match (POTM) award.

BCCI Hon. Secretary Mr. Devajit Saikia informs that Yashasvi Jaiswal will replace the injured Virat Kohli for the #INDvAFG ODI series.#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/cLxfK7gByz

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 6, 2026

With Kohli sidelined, the spotlight now shifts to Jaiswal, who has the opportunity to cement his place at the top of India’s ODI batting order.

Jaiswal was bound to be the obvious pick as Kohli's replacement, as the southpaw had scored a match-winning hundred in his last ODI outing. His 116* off 121 balls in Visakhapatnam on December 06 had helped India beat South Africa 2-1 in the three-match ODI series.

With Jaiswal set to slot in as opener, the No. 3 slot may go to Ishan Kishan. Ishan was in rich vein of form at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and scored 602 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2026 at a majestic strike rate of 182.42.

India vs Afghanistan ODI series 2026