Why is Virat Kohli not playing IND vs AFG 2nd ODI in Lucknow?
(Courtesy : BCCI)
Virat Kohli last featured for India in the ODI series against New Zealand.
After an exciting first game, Indian Cricket Team and the Afghanistan CricketTeam are up against each other in the second game of three-match ODI series. The match between the two sides is taking place at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, June 17.
India, had a near perfect game in the first ODI, which was reduced to 25-over per side due to rain. Afghanistan, who were asked to bat had a poor start to their innings as they lost three wickets inside the first five overs, courtesy of debutant Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (102) at the one end seemed to be batting on a different pitch as he registered a magical century, which was the fastest for Afghanistan in ODIs. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (27) and Azmatullah Omarzai (26) made valuable contributions as Afghanistan paved their way to 194. For India, Brar and other debutant Harsh Dubey picked three wickets each.
In the chase, India lost Rohit Sharma early after a horrible mix-up with Shubman Gill (84*). However, the Indian captain didn’t let that run out bother him as he went on to hit a sublime half-century. Ishan Kishan (34), who batted at three, played a brilliant hand, as well as his 70-run partnership with captain Gill almost broke the back of the chase.
KL Rahul (39*) came up with a brilliant finishing touch as India chased the target with seven wickets in hand. However, just like the first ODI, Virat Kohli yet again was not there in the India’s XI for second ODI. The premier batter was recently seen in action during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and his absence in the first ODI raised many eyebrows.
Why did Virat Kohli miss second IND vs AFG ODI?
The reason behind Virat Kohli‘s absence from the second IND vs AFG ODI is his injury. During the final of IPL 2026, the premier batter sustained a hamstring injury, but that didn’t seem serious at the time as he continued batting and hit a magical half-century.
However, later the reports suggested that Kohli’s injury is much more serious than expected. Later, it was revealed by chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, that the premier batter will miss the series, with Yashasvi Jaiswal being picked as his replacement.
Kohli’s absence no doubt will leave a massive void in India’s XI for last two games, as he was in red-hot form in ODIs before IPL 2026. Even in the T20 league, he looked class apart with over 650 runs to his name.
In his absence, Ishan Kishan batted at three in the first game and is expected to do the same in second game as well. He had a decent outing in first ODI and would be keen to carry on the same form and help his team win.
Who is leading India in the IND vs AFG ODI series?
Shubman Gill is leading India in the ODI series.
Why is Virat Kohli not playing the second India vs Afghanistan ODI?
Kohli missed the game due to injury.
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Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.