The news of Virat Kohli being out of the ODI series against Afghanistan had disappointed the fans. Now a big update has come out on his replacement. The Indian Express Rituraj Gaikwad can be included in Team India as a replacement for Kohli. According to reports, Kohli has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series due to hamstring injury.
Virat Kohli suffered a hamstring injury in the final match of IPL 2026, after which he has been advised to take rest for two weeks. He may be fully fit before the last ODI match against Afghanistan (June 20), but the selectors will probably not give him a place in the squad for only one match.
Talking about Ruturaj Gaikwad, recently he was given a place in India A squad for the tri-series against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. He was made the vice-captain of India A team in place of injured Riyan Parag. Now he can be included in the Indian team in place of Virat Kohli.
Selectors will take decision soon
The test match between India and Afghanistan is starting from 6th June. Team India selectors are going to hold a meeting on the same day. In this meeting, decisions can be taken regarding the series against Ireland and England. There is also concern about Rohit Sharma, who had to sit out of some matches of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 due to hamstring injury.
BCCI had included him in the squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan on the condition that Rohit would be able to be a part of the playing eleven only if he remains fit. According to the report, Rohit has not yet reached BCCI’s Center of Excellence. If Rohit is unable to pass the fitness test, the selectors will have to announce his replacement.
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