Lean IPL, Big Opportunity: Ruturaj Gaikwad Likely to Fill Kohli’s Spot in AFG ODIs

Ruturaj Gaikwad in Line for India ODI Recall as Virat Kohli Injury Forces Selection Rethink

India’s ODI plans for the upcoming Afghanistan series have been thrown into uncertainty after Virat Kohli was ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final. With the selectors now searching for a replacement, Ruturaj Gaikwad has emerged as the leading candidate to fill the vacancy in the three-match series.

According to a report in The Indian Express, Kohli has been advised to stay away from competitive cricket for at least two weeks after scans revealed a hamstring injury. The setback means the veteran batter will miss the Afghanistan ODIs, prompting the BCCI and selectors to consider reinforcements for the middle order.

Gaikwad, who was recently added to the India A squad as cover for the injured Riyan Parag, is understood to be at the top of the selectors’ shortlist. A promotion to the senior side could create an opening in the India A squad, with Rajat Patidar being considered as a possible replacement for the Sri Lanka A tri-series, which also features Afghanistan A.

Kohli picked up the injury during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL final victory over Gujarat Titans. Despite showing signs of discomfort while running between the wickets, he remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls and guided RCB to the title. Subsequent medical examinations reportedly detected a distal semimembranosus tendon tear, ruling him out of India’s next ODI assignment.

His absence comes at a time when he has been one of India’s most reliable performers in the format. Kohli topped India’s ODI run charts in 2025 with 651 runs in 13 matches, including three centuries and four fifties. He carried that form into 2026 as well, scoring 240 runs against New Zealand in a three-match ODI series, highlighted by a century and a half-century.

Why is Virat Kohli missing the Afghanistan ODIs?

The injury occurred during the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, where Kohli played a decisive role in RCB’s chase of 156. While he completed the innings and celebrated the title triumph, medical scans later confirmed a hamstring tendon tear.

With the Afghanistan series scheduled between June 14 and June 20, the team management is unwilling to rush one of its most experienced players back into action. India also have a white-ball tour of England coming up in July, making Kohli’s recovery a priority.

Why is Gaikwad the frontrunner?

Although his IPL 2026 campaign was not among his most productive, Gaikwad continues to enjoy strong backing within the Indian setup because of his pedigree in the 50-over format. His ability to bat both at the top and in the middle order offers flexibility that few candidates can match.

The selectors are also believed to have been impressed by his performances during India’s ODI tour of South Africa, where he adapted successfully to a middle-order role and scored a century. That versatility makes him a natural option to slot into a batting unit already featuring several established top-order players.

If selected, Gaikwad would earn a timely return to the senior ODI squad and another opportunity to strengthen his case ahead of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The selectors, meanwhile, are also awaiting fitness updates on Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. While Rohit must clear a fitness test before being considered for selection, Pandya’s availability will depend on whether he is fit enough to contribute as an all-rounder with the ball.