Virat Kohli missed out on Tests due to a muscle cramp, as Yashasvi Jaiswal has been called into the side for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. The development is still less than a week after Kohli helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinch the IPL 2026 title, but that is succeeded by worries regarding his fitness.
India selectors announced Saturday that Kohli will be excluded from the three ODIs against Afghanistan after getting injured in RCB’s successful IPL campaign on the hamstring. Although it was not thought to pose a long-term threat, it means there will be uncertainty about one of India’s most experienced players in what is a busy international calendar.
However, with Kohli’s loss, Jaiswal picks up an opportunity.
Firstly, India’s selection committee has promptly appointed Yashasvi Jaiswal as Kohli’s replacement. The young left-hander has mesmerised when he was given a chance and returning to the ODI batting order after that.
Up to now, Jaiswal has appeared in just four ODIs for India, but has already made his mark at the international stage. His last try in the format was a December 2025 duel with South Africa after which he got a century to humble, with his maturity and attacking skills coming in handy.
It is important to note that the change of introduction of Jaiswal into the squad is India’s brainchild. Whereas Kohli is still an integral part of the ODI side’s rotation of bowlers, the selectors are trying to pour in youth into their side who can look after them when required. Now, Jaiswal has another valuable opportunity to consolidate his dominance in white-ball preparations for India in Afghanistan.
Agarkar Provides latest Kohli Fitness Update.Agarkar Provides Kohli Fitness Update.
The depth of Kohli’s damage and when he will be available for action though, has been the zillion dollar question.
In Mumbai, selectors chairman Ajit Agarkar said that the comeback of the former India captain is yet to be decided. The accident took place in the final of the IPL match, and the healing process is still underway.
Agarkar said there was hope Kohli will come back as soon as possible for India’s ODI series against England which starts in July. Meanwhile, he emphasized that it would not be possible to guarantee anything until further evaluations are done.
It’s a careful decision because Kohli is a key member of the Indian ODI team. Having played in the T20 format at international level as well as Test cricket has led to the 37-year-old now prioritising workload and fitness in the 50-over format.
Kohli Was Playing In Excellent Form
The injury at this time is disappointing given Kohli has been one of the best series of his club career.
He last played an ODI series in the country, when he hit 240 runs as India’s top run-scorer against New Zealand earlier this year. Kohli was once more of a worth while player in the format, despite India losing the series.
This momentum was sustained in the IPL. Kohli then had one of his best seasons as he posted 675 runs with an impressive strike rate. His performance helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the title and further proven his point as one of the best batters in the game.
The defeat of the player is certainly a blow to the Indian team, especially when playing a team that will be considered underdogs down the Asia Cup.
Focus Also on Rohit and Hardik
The form of other senior players is being closely noted in the meantime. Hardik Pandya has been at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for assessment while Rohit Sharma is likely to join the facility soon.
Both have come into the squad of India despite being troubled by injuries for some time now. Rohit is returning from a hamstring ailment which had ruled him out for a few IPL matches whereas Hardik has not played ODI cricket since India won the Champions Trophy in 2025.
As the preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup continue, it is crucial for the team to keep Agarkar fit and ready for ODI cricket, the management said. He is one of the most useful batsmen in the team and excellent bowlers as well, so as to provide them a balance.
India Prepare for Afghanistan Challenge
Ultimately, the nation will have to revise its interest in the three-match ODI contest against Afghanistan. The series starts in Dharamsala then moves on to Lucknow and Chennai for the rest of the series.
While Kohli is not in the picture, some of the onus of the capital unit is on the shoulders of captain Shubman Gill, the Mahanshir Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Meanwhile, fans will be keen to watch whether Jaiswal will be able to grab the opportunity created by Kohli.
The Virat Kohli Injury simply may have derailed the initial plans of the Indians but it will surely provide a platform for one of the finest young stars in the country. As India begin their preparations for a busy international season, all eyes will remain on Kohli’s recovery and Jaiswal’s chance to make a lasting impact in the ODI arena.’
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