Why is Virat Kohli not playing IND vs AFG 3rd ODI in Chennai?
(Courtesy : BCCI)
Virat Kohli last featured for India in the ODI series against New Zealand.
Indian Cricket Team and the Afghanistan Cricket Team are clashing against each other in the dead-rubber third ODI of the series. The match between the two sides is taking place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, June 20.
India had two dominating outings in the first two games of the series. While they registered a brilliant 7-wicket win in first game, the second ODI in Lucknow saw them bagging a massive 170-run win, marking Shubman Gill‘s first series win as ODI captain.
Put into bat, India had a new opening pair in Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma (48). But the move didn’t work as Jaiswal perished for just four. Sharma, however, looked good and played well but fell just two runs short of his half-century.
Captain Gill (154), who batted at three, played yet another sublime innings. He first added 87 runs with Sharma, but his partnership with Ishan Kishan (125) took the game away from Afghanistan. Both batters slammed bowlers all over the park, adding 224 runs for the third wicket. Shreyas Iyer (26) also played a vital hand as India posted a mammoth total of 402.
In the chase, Afghanistan started well with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (41) and Ibrahim Zadran (21) adding 52 runs for the opening stand. However, both batters lost their wickets in quick succession after that. Sediqullah Atal (42) and Rahmat Shah (79) then brought their team back in the game with their 57-run stand.
But India kept taking wickets at regular intervals, and apart from Atal and Shah, no one crossed the 45-run mark as Afghanistan got all out for 232, losing by 170 runs. For India, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh picked three wickets.
As third IND vs AFG ODI is here, Virat Kohli yet again was not there in the India’s XI. 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 third ODI raised many eyebrows.
Why did Virat Kohli miss third IND vs AFG ODI?
The reason behind Virat Kohli‘s not playing the third IND vs AFG ODI is his injury. During the final of IPL 2026, the right-hander sustained a hamstring injury. Although, he continued batting but looked in discomfort.
Later, the reports suggested that Kohli’s injury is much more serious than expected. It was then revealed by chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, that the premier batter will miss the IND vs AFG ODI series, with Yashasvi Jaiswal being picked as his replacement.
Kohli 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 while Shubman Gill took the spot in second ODI. Both played a great role there, and would be keen to carry on the same form and help their team complete 3-0 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.