Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan due to a rare hamstring injury, specifically a distal semimembranosus tendon tear, which he sustained during the IPL 2026 final on May 31. Despite leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to victory with an unbeaten 75 runs, Kohli struggled with leg issues towards the end of the match. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Kohli will need at least two weeks of rest, which may prevent him from participating in the series starting June 13 in Dharamshala. While he could potentially return for the last ODI on June 20, selectors are unlikely to include him. Kohli's absence is particularly impactful as he has been in exceptional form, scoring 675 runs in the IPL, including a century and five half-centuries. His injury is a rare occurrence, given his renowned fitness at 37 years old. The Indian team will hold a three-day camp in Mohali before the series, with their next ODI assignment scheduled in England starting July 14.