Yashasvi Jaiswal replaces injured Virat Kohli for Afghanistan ODIs
Squad Update: Jaiswal Steps In for Kohli
In a major development for Indian cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal replaces injured Virat Kohli for Afghanistan ODIs. The official announcement was made by Ajit Agarkar, India’s chairman of selectors, in Mumbai on Saturday. Virat Kohli, who has transitioned to playing exclusively ODI cricket for the national side after retiring from both T20Is and Test matches, was ruled out of the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury.
The Cause of the Injury: A Grueling IPL 2026 Campaign
The hamstring injury occurred during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s sensational run to the IPL 2026 title last month. Kohli was in sublime form throughout the tournament, leading his franchise from the front. He amassed an outstanding 675 runs at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, which stands as his best scoring rate in any single IPL season. His stellar performances helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure back-to-back titles, making them only the third franchise in the history of the IPL to achieve this consecutive feat. However, the physical intensity of the campaign ultimately resulted in the hamstring setback that has now sidelined him from international duty.
Kohli’s Stellar ODI Record and Impact
Kohli’s absence leaves a massive void in the Indian batting lineup. Since focusing solely on the fifty-over format, he has remained a vital pillar of the team. His previous appearance for India was during the home ODI series against New Zealand in January. Although India lost that series 2-1, Kohli was the standout performer for his side. He top-scored for India, accumulating 240 runs at an astonishing average of 80.00 and a brisk strike rate of 105.26. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes his vacancy difficult to fill, placing a substantial responsibility on his replacement.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Opportunity
With Kohli ruled out, the selectors have handed an opportunity to the highly talented Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young left-hander has been in excellent form and is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket. This series against Afghanistan will serve as a crucial platform for Jaiswal to prove his credentials in the ODI format and stake a claim for a permanent spot in the squad. His aggressive batting style and ability to dominate bowling attacks could provide India with an explosive option at the top of the order.
India vs Afghanistan ODI Series Schedule
The highly anticipated three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to begin on June 13. The fixtures will be played across three different venues in India, offering fans across the country a chance to witness the action:
- First ODI: June 13 in Dharamsala
- Second ODI: June 17 in Lucknow
- Third ODI: June 20 in Chennai
Each venue presents unique playing conditions, from the pace and bounce of Dharamsala to the spin-friendly tracks of Chennai, providing a comprehensive test for the Indian squad in the absence of their most experienced batsman.
Looking Ahead to the England Tour
This home series against Afghanistan is not just a standalone contest but also a critical stepping stone for the Indian team. India’s next major assignment is an ODI series in England, scheduled to begin on July 14. According to the selection committee, the squad for the England tour will be finalized and announced only after the conclusion of the Afghanistan series. This gives players like Jaiswal and others in the squad a clear incentive to perform, as their spots on the plane to England will depend heavily on their performances over the next few weeks.
