Ruturaj Gaikwad Set to Replace Virat Kohli for Afghanistan ODIs Despite Underwhelming IPL 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad Emerges as Favourite to Replace Injured Virat Kohli for Afghanistan ODIs

India are set to make a late change to their ODI squad for the upcoming Afghanistan series after Virat Kohli was ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final. According to a report in The Indian Express, Ruturaj Gaikwad has emerged as the frontrunner to replace the veteran batter in the three-match series beginning on June 14.

Kohli has been advised at least two weeks of rest after scans confirmed a hamstring injury, effectively ending his chances of featuring against Afghanistan. With the BCCI expected to announce a replacement shortly, selectors are reportedly leaning towards Gaikwad despite the Chennai Super Kings captain enduring a modest IPL campaign.

Gaikwad had recently been drafted into the India A squad after Riyan Parag suffered an injury during the IPL. However, a promotion to the senior ODI setup could now pave the way for Rajat Patidar to join the India A side for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka, which also features Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A.

The injury setback occurred during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful chase in the IPL final against Gujarat Titans. Kohli battled through visible discomfort to remain unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls and guide RCB to a second consecutive IPL title. Subsequent medical assessments reportedly revealed a distal semimembranosus tendon tear.

The timing is unfortunate for Kohli, who has enjoyed a prolific run in ODI cricket over the last 18 months. He finished as India’s leading ODI run-scorer in 2025 with 651 runs in 13 matches, including three centuries and four half-centuries. The 37-year-old also carried that form into 2026, scoring 240 runs in a three-match series against New Zealand, highlighted by a century and a fifty.

Why is Virat Kohli missing the Afghanistan ODI series?

Kohli sustained the injury during the IPL final in Ahmedabad while anchoring RCB’s chase of 156. Although he completed the innings and celebrated the title triumph with his teammates, scans later confirmed a tendon tear in his hamstring.

Medical staff have reportedly recommended a minimum two-week recovery period, making his participation in the Afghanistan series impractical. With a white-ball tour of England scheduled for July and the long-term build-up towards the 2027 ODI World Cup already underway, team management are expected to prioritise Kohli’s fitness rather than rush him back for a short bilateral series.

Why is Ruturaj Gaikwad the leading replacement option?

Gaikwad’s versatility appears to have strengthened his case. While naturally an opener, he has previously impressed in the middle order, most notably during India’s ODI tour of South Africa, where he scored a century after being moved down the batting order.

That flexibility could prove valuable in a squad already featuring established top-order options led by Shubman Gill. Selectors also view Gaikwad as a player with strong List A credentials despite a relatively quiet IPL season.

His elevation to the senior squad could trigger another reshuffle, with Rajat Patidar being considered as a replacement in the India A setup. Patidar’s stock has risen significantly following his leadership role in RCB’s title-winning campaign and a string of consistent batting performances.

Meanwhile, the selectors are also monitoring the fitness of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Both players are undergoing assessments after injury concerns during the IPL. Rohit’s availability hinges on clearing a fitness test, while Pandya must prove he is capable of bowling before a final decision is taken on his participation in the Afghanistan series.