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.
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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.”
More to follow...
