India face fresh uncertainty as the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan approaches, beginning June 13 in Dharamsala, as Rohit Sharma is now in line to miss out along with Virat Kohli.
With several senior players battling fitness issues following a gruelling IPL 2026 season, the team is set for a significantly rotated squad.
The Indian dressing room is also waiting on fitness updates for star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is recovering from a back spasm and undergoing assessments at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Pandya is likely to take part in match simulations and intensive drills before a final call is made on his participation.
Virat Kohli ruled Out
The former captain suffered a hamstring injury during his successful IPL campaign with Royal
Challengers Bengaluru and has not recovered in time. His absence removes one of India's most experienced and consistent batters from the middle order.
Rohit Sharma's participation in serious doubt
The star opening batter and former India captain was named in the initial squad, but his inclusion was always subject to clearing a fitness test. Having injured his hamstring during the IPL while representing Mumbai Indians, Rohit could only feature as an impact player towards the end of the tournament.
His limited involvement raised serious questions about his full match-readiness, and latest reports suggest he has failed to clear the required fitness protocols. This potential absence comes after a disappointing campaign for Mumbai Indians, where Rohit's injury restricted his role significantly. If ruled out, Rohit would join Kohli on the sidelines, leaving India without two of its most decorated batters for the Afghanistan ODIs.
To add to the challenge, the selection committee under Ajit Agarkar has rested key pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj for workload management. Experienced all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel have also been omitted, with fresh faces like Harsh Dubey, Prince Yadav, and Gurnoor Brar getting the nod.
While official confirmation on Rohit and Virat is still awaited, India appears headed into the series with a youthful and experimental lineup.
