Home / Sports / Kohli Out, Rohit Returns: India Faces Afghanistan in ODIs
Kohli Out, Rohit Returns: India Faces Afghanistan in ODIs
13 Jun
Summary
- Virat Kohli is out with a hamstring injury.
- Rohit Sharma returns, aiming to regain form.
- Afghanistan has won its last five ODI series.
India will host Afghanistan for a three-match ODI series starting Saturday, June 12, 2026, at the HPCA Stadium. This series represents a shift to the middle format after recent T20 commitments. Star player Virat Kohli will miss the series due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL final.
Rohit Sharma, however, is confirmed to play after clearing a fitness test. At 39 years and 44 days old, Sharma will become the oldest Indian to play ODIs and is looking to regain his form after a lean IPL. The selectors will be closely watching his performance as they plan for the 2027 World Cup.
While Yashasvi Jaiswal has been brought in as Kohli's replacement, Ishan Kishan's recall after over two years provides a strong option at number three. India also plans to assess emerging talents like pacers Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar, and spin-bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey.
Despite India starting as favorites under Shubman Gill's captaincy, Afghanistan poses a significant threat. They have won their last five bilateral ODI series, defeating notable teams like South Africa and Bangladesh. Afghanistan's squad boasts experienced players like Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, alongside promising young talent, and they are eager to secure their first-ever ODI series win against India.
