India’s preparations for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan have been dealt a blow with fitness concerns surrounding senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom are recovering from injuries picked up during IPL 2026.
Rohit has been named in the ODI squad, but his participation remains subject to medical clearance. The former India captain is scheduled to report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on June 8 for a series of fitness assessments, following which a final call will be taken on his availability.
“Yes, Rohit is supposed to report to the CoE on June 8. He will spend three days there and has a few sessions lined up, including batting under lights. He is expected to join the Indian team in Dharamshala on June 11, two days before the first ODI against Afghanistan on June 13,” a source told TOI.
Rohit’s hamstring problem had already limited his involvement during IPL 2026, with the veteran featuring largely as an Impact Player for the Mumbai Indians. At 39, Rohit now plays only ODI cricket after retiring from both T20Is and Test cricket. His most recent success came when he captained India to the ICC Champions Trophy title in 2025.
The situation, however, appears more concerning for Kohli. The former India captain is believed to have suffered a hamstring tear during the closing stages of the IPL 2026 final while helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru chase down a target against Gujarat Titans. Despite the injury, Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 and finished as RCB’s highest run-scorer of the season.
Kohli Set For Extended Layoff
According to reports, Kohli is expected to be sidelined for around six weeks, ruling him out of the Afghanistan ODI series and potentially placing his participation in the subsequent ODI tour of England in doubt.
“He has suffered a hamstring tear. The injury does not require surgery, but it will need around six weeks to heal, along with rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He has also consulted renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, who reviewed his MRI scans,” a source tracking the development told TOI.
With both Rohit and Kohli now focusing exclusively on ODI cricket, next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup is widely expected to be the final major chapter in the illustrious careers of two of India’s greatest modern-day cricketers.
