Virat Kohli ruled out of Afghanistan ODIs

Virat Kohli has been ruled out of India's three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after scans revealed a distal semimembranosus tendon tear sustained in the IPL final. Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to replace him; Rohit Sharma's fitness remains under assessment ahead of the series.

New Delhi/Mullanpur: Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli was on Thursday ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury that he sustained during the recently-concluded IPL.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was supposed to play for India A in the tri-series in Sri Lanka is likely to be summoned for the rubber in place of Kohli based on his performance during last appearance in ODIs for India.

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The three-match series begins on June 13 in Dharamshala.

Kohli suffered the injury during the IPL final that his side Royal Challengers Bengaluru won on Sunday.

“He is out of the ODI series due to a hamstring injury. He got injured during the final. Scans have revealed distal semimembranosus tendon tear,” a BCCI source told PTI.

A distal semimembranosus tendon tear is a rare hamstring injury affecting the thick tendon that attaches a muscle to the inner part of the shinbone, just below the knee.

Kohli, known for his unmatched fitness even at 37 years of age, was in stellar form in the IPL where he steered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second consecutive title. He hit the winning runs in the final against Gujarat Titans.

Reinventing his T20 game, Kohli amassed 675 runs in RCB’s triumphant campaign including a hundred and five fifty plus scores. Kohli’s absence will take the sheen off the upcoming series.

Though the former India captain is now a one-format player, he remains a top draw for fans worldwide. It is extremely rare for Kohli to miss games due to an injury, given his exemplary fitness standards.

It also remains to be seen if Rohit Sharma is available for the whole series against Afghanistan. The opener was included in the squad subject to fitness after a hamstring injury affected his IPL appearances.

When India’s assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate was asked about Kohli’s injury, he insisted that media should wait for the official updates.

“Official communication will will come on that. It’s obviously big news when it’s someone like Virat or Rohit,” Ten Doeschate said.

He also said that Rohit Sharma’s hamstring will be assessed before a final call is taken for the one dayers.

“The same protocols will be in place where we’ll assess the fitness of those guys and we’ve got a few days now to decide whether they are fit enough to play and be part of the squad, and make adjustments accordingly. But I’m sure some official communication will come through as soon as the medical team confirms,” Ten Doeschate.

Ever since both Kohli and Rohit retired from Tests last year, there has been immense speculation on their ODI future.

The next 50-over World Cup is scheduled in South Africa in October-November 2027 and they would be included in the squad on the basis of their form and fitness leading up to the tournament.

The second ODI against Afghanistan will be played in Lucknow on June 17 followed by the third and final match in Chennai on June 20. The Indian team will have a three-day camp in PCA Stadium Mohali where the ODI specialists have been asked to assemble.

After the Afghanistan series, India’s next ODI assignment will be in England, beginning from July 14.