Trouble hits India’s plans for the Afghanistan ODI series as Virat Kohli may miss out, a hamstring issue likely keeping him off the field. This problem, it surfaced while playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, right after lifting the trophy. He finished that tournament strong: 75 not out in the final, then smashed the boundary that sealed victory over the Gujarat Titans. His effort stood out once again under pressure. Now, though, recovery time could delay his return.

Virat Kohli’s spot stays empty, shaking up India’s order. Not just about numbers, his calm under pressure sets him apart in ODIs. Filling those shoes is tricky. Tougher than it looks. Still, names pop up when picking who might step in before the trio of games begins.

Here are three players who could be drafted into India’s ODI squad as Virat Kohli’s replacement:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Still, Yashasvi Jaiswal stands out among current options, even if his role doesn’t mirror Kohli’s spot or approach at the crease. He opens the batting for India, left-handed, in their shorter format teams recently, gaining real match exposure abroad. Though chances have been few, his moments on the field stand out clearly each time.

Yashasvi Jaiswal made 171 runs across only four ODIs – 57 on average, with a hundred right off the bat. With Kohli stepping aside, that shaky upper lineup might finally leave space open, something he hasn’t had before.

Familiarity with the changing room helps. That, plus his flexibility through different game types, stands out. Selectors see it that way too – steady, makes sense.

2. Rajat Patidar

Few players have boosted their standing quite like Rajat Patidar since two seasons back. He stepped up when chances came his way. Not many saw it coming.

His calm at the crease shifted how people viewed him. Moments others folded, he held firm. Runs piled without flash. Quiet work replaced doubt. Now, names group him among consistent performers. The climb wasn’t sudden, just steady pressure met with clear intent. Recognition followed where once there was little notice.

A steady hand in state-level matches, he helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru rise through sharp performances. Not just holding the fort but pushing tempo keeps him vital when wickets fall around him. Few in India match his blend of patience and punch without wearing national colors yet.
One time only, he played for India, so Patidar hasn’t seen much of the global stage. Yet each match he plays adds weight to the idea that a second chance might be near.

Perhaps now feels right to those picking the team, bringing him back into the ODI squad. They might wonder if strong showings at home hold up overseas.

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad

One name stands out when looking at those in contention – Ruturaj Gaikwad seems to edge ahead. Yet it’s not certain, just how things currently look from here.

What sets Gaikwad apart from Jaiswal and Patidar is his adaptability across roles and positions. Though he’s opened before, there’s no struggle when shifting down the lineup. His method at the crease stays calm, fitting wherever needed. Even under pressure, his approach doesn’t crack.
That latest hundred in one-day cricket revealed how well he handles tough moments, yet stood out even more because it unfolded alongside Virat Kohli during a crucial stand together.

Even if Ruturaj Gaikwad hasn’t lit up the latest IPL season with Chennai Super Kings, his track record in one-day cricket still stands strong. Because he shifts the field well, stays at bat for extended periods, yet pushes tempo whenever needed, picking him fits a team aiming to stay steady without Kohli around.

Who steps into Virat Kohli’s role matters beyond just numbers on a roster. This moment opens space for fresh ODI players to show what they carry, without leaning on past names.

If India picks the fresh energy of Jaiswal, the steady run-making of Patidar, or the flexible role offered by Gaikwad, clues about future direction may quietly emerge. What matters most isn’t just who plays, but what each choice reveals behind the scenes. One move might signal patience, another urgency, a third adaptability. Each name on the list shifts the story slightly.

Right now, everyone watches the selection panel, waiting to see how they fill what might be the largest gap in India’s cricket lineup. Who steps up comes down to their call.