Team India assistant coach breaks silence on Virat Kohli's availability for Afghanistan ODIs

NEW DELHI: Is Virat Kohli set to miss India's upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan? The question has been doing the rounds ever since reports emerged that the former India captain suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final. While there is no official confirmation yet, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate indicated that Kohli's absence would be a significant setback for the team.


India and Afghanistan are scheduled to face off in a one-off Test beginning June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.




The teams will then lock horns in a three-match ODI series starting June 13.


Addressing the speculation around Kohli's availability, ten Doeschate said: "Official communication will come on that, but it is always a big blow if players like Virat misses out."


Kohli is likely to miss the ODI series due to a hamstring injury sustained during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2026 title-winning campaign, as reported by TimesofIndia.com.


It is reliably learnt that Kohli is currently holidaying in Europe after helping RCB secure a second successive IPL title.


The 37-year-old enjoyed a sensational IPL 2026 season, finishing as RCB's leading run-scorer with 675 runs at an average of 56.25. He registered one century and five half-centuries during the campaign and capped it off with an unbeaten 75 in the final against Gujarat Titans.


Kohli reportedly experienced discomfort in his right hamstring while batting in the IPL final on May 31. Despite the injury, he continued his innings after receiving treatment and having the area heavily strapped.