Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to get picked as Virat Kohli’s replacement for three ODI series against Afghanistan whereas Rajat Patidar might be looked in for India A squad which will travel to Sri Lanka for tri-series involving Afghanistan.
The senior selection committee will have to make last minute changes after Kohli was ruled out for Afghanistan series starting from June 14 in Dharamsala due to a hamstring injury that he picked during the IPL final on Sunday. It is learnt that Kohli has been advised a minimum of two-week rest and though he may be fit in time for the last ODI on June 20, the selectors are unlikely to include him for the series which involves only three ODIs.
Gaikwad was earlier added to India A squad after Riyan Parag had gotten injured during IPL and the selection committee had added his name. The formal announcement is expected soon.
Meanwhile, during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful chase in the final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, Kohli is understood to have faced slight discomfort on his hamstring and needed a bit of medical attention. Though he continued to bat without any struggle, further tests have revealed an injury to his hamstring. Since he has been advised two weeks rest, Kohli would be racing against to be immediately match fit. And more over, India have a busy ODI calendar ahead with India set to travel to England in July for a white-ball series that includes three ODIs.
