Last Updated: June 4, 2026 03:06 PM
India is facing a real crisis right now basically. Two of their best players might miss ODIs. This is bad timing for the Afghanistan series. The matches start on June 13, 2026. That’s not very far away at all. Getting players fit is now urgent.
Virat Kohli is ruled out with a hamstring injury which is serious. He won’t play any of the three matches. That’s already been confirmed by the selectors.
Rohit Sharma is in a different situation. He’s still doubtful for the series. Hasn’t reported to the Centre yet. The fitness test is still pending apparently.
The Afghanistan series is really important. First match in Dharamsala on June 13. Second match in Lucknow on June 17. The third match in Chennai is on June 20.
All three will be challenging without key players. Both Kohli and Rohit are experienced. Losing them weakens India’s middle order badly.
The hamstring injuries are completely frustrating. Both got hurt during IPL 2026. Missing matches cost them their fitness. Now, international cricket is affected. India can’t afford to lose such players. The squad depth gets tested heavily.
Rohit Sharma’s Fitness Test Is Critical Now
Rohit Sharma hasn’t reported to the COE. He needs to do a fitness assessment. Right now, his status is uncertain. If he fails the test, it’s a big problem.
India will need a replacement player. The selectors will have limited options. Time is running out quickly honestly.
Rohit Sharma also missed several IPL matches. The ex-captain’s hamstring acted up during IPL. He couldn’t play a full tournament basically. Now he’s trying to recover fast.
But is he ready for international? That’s the big question right now. The fitness test will give answers. Selectors are monitoring the situation carefully.
If Rohit can’t play, who replaces him? That’s a real headache for selection. Yashasvi Jaiswal is one option apparently. He scored a century in ODIs recently. Got left out of the initial 15-member squad. If Rohit fails, Jaiswal might get recalled.
Other Players Also Creating Problems
Hardik Pandya is another concern basically. He’s at the COE right now. But he’s only cleared if he bowls. His back problems are a constant issue.
Can he bowl properly after IPL? That’s the real question for Hardik. If he can’t bowl, he’s just a batter. That limits his usefulness in the squad.
Several other players from the last ODI series are missing too. Dhruv Jurel is not in this squad. Ayush Badoni also got dropped apparently. Harshit Rana has a knee injury.
So he’s unavailable for this series. The squad is weakened from multiple angles. India has limited experienced options. Young players will have to step up.
The selectors face tough decisions ahead. Building a competitive squad will be difficult. Without Kohli and possibly Rohit. Adding Hardik’s uncertainty to that. Multiple injury concerns everywhere basically.
India will have to be creative. Squad selection will be really interesting. The Afghanistan series looks challenging now. India needs to manage these injuries properly.
