CSK star set to replace injured Virat Kohli for India vs Afghanistan ODI series

India may very well be pressured into a big squad reshuffle forward of the ODI sequence towards Afghanistan, with Virat Kohli more likely to be unavailable as a consequence of a hamstring harm. The veteran batter sustained the harm in the course of the IPL 2026 ultimate between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT), the place he produced a match-winning unbeaten knock to information RCB to a second successive title.

Experiences recommend that Kohli has been suggested to relaxation for a minimum of two weeks, casting critical doubt over his availability for the three-match ODI sequence starting on June 13 in Dharamsala. With India set to start their first ODI task after the IPL, the selectors are anticipated to make a late adjustment to the squad, and a Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK) star has emerged because the main candidate to fill the emptiness.

Virat Kohli faces race towards time after IPL ultimate harm

Kohli performed a match-winning innings of 75 not out within the IPL 2026 ultimate and guided RCB to their second consecutive title. Nevertheless, stories recommend that the previous India captain skilled discomfort in his hamstring whereas batting in the course of the chase. Regardless of finishing the innings with out seen limitations, subsequent medical examinations reportedly confirmed the harm. As a precautionary measure, Kohli has been suggested to take a minimal two-week break from aggressive cricket.

Though the restoration timeline means he might doubtlessly return in time for the third ODI of the sequence on June 20, the BCCI is unlikely to take any dangers with one in every of its most vital ODI gamers. India can even play a white-ball tour of England scheduled in July, making workload administration a precedence. Having already retired from T20Is and Check cricket, Kohli’s focus stays firmly on the ODI format and India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

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CSK skipper emerges as frontrunner for recall

With Kohli’s participation in critical doubt, Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has reportedly emerged because the main candidate to fill the vacant spot within the squad. Gaikwad was initially chosen for the India A tour of Sri Lanka, the place he was anticipated to function vice-captain below Tilak Varma. Nevertheless, stories point out that the selectors are actually contemplating selling him to the senior ODI setup following Kohli’s harm setback.

The fitting-handed batter final represented India in ODIs in the course of the South Africa sequence, the place he impressed with an excellent century. Gaikwad scored 105 runs off simply 83 deliveries in Raipur, showcasing his capacity to anchor an innings whereas sustaining a wholesome scoring charge. Total, he has featured in 9 ODIs for India, scoring 228 runs, together with one century and one half-century. His constant performances in home cricket over the past 12 months have saved him firmly in competition for a nationwide comeback.

Additionally READ: Large blow for Group India as Virat Kohli dominated out of Afghanistan ODI sequence – Experiences