India’s plans for the IND vs AFG ODI 2026 series have been thrown into chaos. Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan with a hamstring injury, and Rohit Sharma’s participation is also in serious doubt.
Just days before the 1st ODI in Dharamshala on June 13, India face a batting crisis they did not see coming.
Kohli sustained a hamstring injury after the IPL 2026 final, where he scored an unbeaten 75 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans. The injury has ended his chances of featuring in the ODI series against Afghanistan.
Rohit Sharma must clear a fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after missing six IPL 2026 games for Mumbai Indians. If he fails, India lose their most experienced opener with very little time to reset the batting order.
| No. | Day | Date | Time (IST) | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saturday | June 13, 2026 | 1:30 PM | 1st ODI | Dharamshala |
| 2 | Wednesday | June 17, 2026 | 1:30 PM | 2nd ODI | Lucknow |
| 3 | Saturday | June 20, 2026 | 1:30 PM | 3rd ODI | Chennai |
Kohli arrived at the IND vs AFG ODI series in outstanding form. His IPL 2026 numbers for RCB were extraordinary, with 675 runs in 17 matches, one century, four fifties and a strike rate above 165.
Matches
311
Innings
299
Runs
14,797
Centuries
51
Milestone Watch
203 runs from 15,000 ODI runs
With 14,797 ODI runs and 51 centuries, Kohli was just 203 runs away from becoming the first batter in history to reach 15,000 ODI runs. That milestone now has to wait.
The India vs Afghanistan ODI Series 2026 is more than a bilateral contest. It is a test of depth, character and readiness. With Virat Kohli unavailable and Rohit Sharma’s fitness under the spotlight, India’s next generation has a chance to show that the team’s future is secure.
Despite his fitness concerns, Rohit Sharma’s ODI record alone justifies every effort to get him fit for the IND vs AFG series. He remains one of the greatest ODI openers the game has seen.
Matches
282
Innings
274
Runs
11,577
Highest Score
264*
Centuries
33
Rohit has not batted at full intensity since the injury. The fitness test is non-negotiable because India need clarity before reshaping the top order.
Read key talking points about India vs Afghanistan Test.
Kohli’s fitness has always been his greatest asset, which makes the timing of this hamstring injury especially damaging for India’s ODI rhythm.
Rohit must clear the fitness test before being confirmed. Whether he returns for Lucknow or Chennai depends on how quickly the hamstring settles.
With Rohit doubtful and Kohli ruled out, India need a new top-order shape. Shubman Gill’s role becomes central to the reset.
Two senior fitness concerns at the same time will intensify the debate about how India manage older match-winners before the 2027 World Cup.
Kohli needed just 203 runs to reach 15,000 ODI runs. The next likely window is the white-ball tour of England in July 2026.
India wins
11
Afghanistan wins
0
Ties
2
ODI note
Afghanistan still searching for first ODI win over India
India remain unbeaten against Afghanistan across formats, but the absence of Kohli and the uncertainty around Rohit give Afghanistan their strongest opening yet.
The HPCA Stadium is a high-scoring ground where batters can thrive once they survive the new ball.
The Ekana Stadium offers a balanced pitch and could be the return window if Rohit clears fitness.
Chepauk’s slower surface makes spin a major factor, which brings Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar firmly into the story.
The IND vs AFG ODI 2026 series has transformed from a straightforward home assignment into a genuine test of India’s batting depth. Kohli’s absence removes India’s greatest ODI match-winner, while Rohit’s fitness race adds uncertainty to a top order that expected stability.
For younger players, this is the kind of opening that can change careers. Performances in Dharamshala, Lucknow and Chennai could define the next chapter of India ODI cricket.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma last played an ODI on January 18, 2026, against New Zealand in Indore, a match India lost by 41 runs despite Kohli scoring his 54th ODI century.
Virat Kohli has been ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained after the IPL 2026 final, where he scored an unbeaten 75 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Rohit Sharma’s participation is in serious doubt. He must pass a BCCI fitness test at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru due to a hamstring injury suffered during IPL 2026.
No. India and Afghanistan have played only one Test before, in Bengaluru in 2018, which India won by an innings and 262 runs.
Virat Kohli has 14,797 ODI runs at an average of 58.72 with 51 centuries, just 203 runs short of 15,000 ODI runs.
No. Afghanistan have never beaten India in an ODI. India have won 3 of the 4 ODIs between the sides, with 1 tie.
In India, check Star Sports on TV and JioHotstar or Hotstar streaming around toss time. In Afghanistan, check ATN / Ariana TV, RTA Sport and local listings.
With Kohli ruled out and Rohit doubtful, India’s opening combination is unclear. Shubman Gill captains the side and the opening slots are the biggest selection question.
The 1st ODI is on June 13, 2026, at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, starting at 1:30 PM IST.
AB Ankit is editor-in-chief of CricPage.
TV: Star Sports Network. Streaming: JioHotstar / Hotstar app. Check the match card before toss for the active language feed.
ATN / Ariana TV has carried major cricket coverage for Afghanistan. Also check RTA Sport and local listings near match time for the final feed.
Fixtures, series and match times.
Team rankings and standings.
Squads, venue, weather and match setup.
Final preview and tactical notes.
Captaincy story from RCB season.
Long-view ODI context.
Dates, venues and timing.
Milestone and ODI record.
Why the test matters.
