Kohli Sidelined by Hamstring Injury, Set to Miss Afghanistan ODI Series

India have suffered a significant setback ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with batting stalwart Virat Kohli being ruled out due to a hamstring injury .

The three match series, scheduled to begin on June 13 in Dharamsala , was expected to give fans another opportunity to watch one of cricket's biggest icons in action. However, the injury has forced Kohli out of contention, leaving a noticeable void in the Indian lineup.

A source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the former India captain will not be available for the series as he continues his recovery.

The development comes as a surprise considering Kohli's reputation for exceptional fitness and consistency throughout his illustrious career. Even at 37 years of age , the veteran batter remains among the fittest cricketers in the world and was in outstanding touch during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Kohli played a pivotal role in guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a second consecutive IPL title , producing crucial performances throughout the tournament. His contribution in the final victory over Gujarat Titans once again highlighted his ability to deliver under pressure.

While Kohli has now restricted himself to the ODI format , his presence continues to be a major attraction for cricket fans across the globe. His absence is likely to take some of the sheen off the Afghanistan series, which was expected to draw considerable attention.

India's fitness concerns do not end there. The availability of captain Rohit Sharma for the entire series remains uncertain after he too battled a hamstring problem during the IPL. Although Rohit has been named in the squad, his participation remains subject to fitness clearance.

With two of India's most experienced players dealing with injury concerns, the upcoming series could provide an opportunity for the team's younger players to step forward and make their mark on the international stage. For now, however, the spotlight remains firmly on Kohli's recovery and whether he can return to action in time for India's future assignments.