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India's injury concerns around Virat Kohli have been ruling the headlines, and now the assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has finally addressed the growing speculation over the batting superstar's fitness.
After ruling the IPL 2026 with his explosive batting performances for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli was expected to make his much-awaited comeback in India colours with the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan at home.
Virat Kohli’s India comeback delayed
But now Virat Kohli’s return has been delayed by the hamstring injury. Kohli looked in some discomfort while running in the final stages of the IPL 2026 final, but he carried on and helped RCB to win the match against Gujarat Titans and defend the title in Ahmedabad on May 31.
Read Also: Lalit Modi calls for ODI cricket to be scrapped; backs IPL-style Tests in traditional format
Later tests revealed that Kohli had picked up a hamstring tendon injury during the IPL 2026 final. This sparked massive concerns and speculations over his availability for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. Notably, the RCB scored 675 runs in 16 matches at an outstanding strike rate of 165.85.
Ryan ten Doeschate breaks silence on Virat Kohli's injury status
However, on Thursday (June 4), Ryan ten Doeschate has now officially confirmed that Kohli will miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan at home because of the hamstring injury.
However, India's assistant coach did not reveal any specific details about Kohli's injury but said that the team management will soon provide an official update on the former captain’s condition.
Ryan ten Doeschate said at the press conference ahead of the India vs Afghanistan one-off Test: “Official communication will come on that, but it is always a big blow if players like Virat Kohli miss out.”
New Zealand tour to decide Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ICC World Cup 2027 dream?
Meanwhile, the ICC World Cup 2027 may still be months away, but the road to the tournament has already begun for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both Indian legends are now focused only on ODI cricket after retiring from T20Is and Test cricket, making every 50-over match extremely important for their ICC World Cup 2027 dreams.
Rohit, who recently turned 39, and Kohli, who will turn 38 later this year, both remain determined to earn a place in India's squad for the ICC World Cup 2027 in South Africa. The upcoming tour of New Zealand will be a big test for the experienced duo.
Read Also: Rohit Sharma ruled out of Afghanistan ODIs? Official medical bulletin released
India will travel to New Zealand from October 22 to December 1 for a full tour featuring five ODIs, five T20Is, and two Tests. With only a limited number of ODI matches available before the selection, Rohit and Kohli will be eager to make every opportunity count in what could be their last New Zealand tour.
It will also be India's first all-format tour of New Zealand since the 2019-20 season, making it one of the most anticipated overseas assignments in recent years.
‘It Doesn't Get Bigger Than India’: NZC
NZC Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Glenn Critchley stated, “When it comes to cricket, it simply doesn’t get bigger than India, and we’re determined to deliver New Zealanders a tour like no other. This will be about more than just the cricket on the field—it will be a celebration of New Zealand’s shared history and culture with India and our burgeoning rivalry and friendship through cricket.”
He added, “The passion and the following this team has is staggering—not to mention some of the players expected to tour, such as Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah—so we’re bracing for the intensity and fandom that will accompany the tour. Experiencing the noise, color, and atmosphere of an Indian cricket international is a bucket-list event, and I’d encourage the Kiwi public to take up the opportunity to witness it firsthand. We’re expecting all of these games to sell out, so we’re urging fans to register for their tickets during the pre-sale window to avoid disappointment.”
