IND vs AFG: Rituraj Gaikwad will enter the Indian team! Can replace Virat Kohli in ODI series

There may be a big change in Team India before the ODI series against Afghanistan. Amidst the news of Virat Kohli being out due to injury, Ruturaj Gaikwad can be included in the Indian team as his replacement.

IND vs AFG, Ruturaj Gaikwad in India Squad: Before the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, the talk of major changes in the Indian team has intensified. Amid reports of star batsman Virat Kohli being out of the series due to hamstring injury, now a big update has come out regarding his possible replacement. According to reports, the selectors are considering including Rituraj Gaikwad in Team India.

Rituraj Gaikwad was recently made the vice-captain of the India A team going on the Sri Lanka tour. However, now there is news that he can be directly linked to the Indian ODI team. If this happens, it will be a big opportunity for the young batsman to return to the ODI team after a long time.

IND vs AFG: You may get a chance in Team India in place of Virat Kohli

According to the report of Indian Express, Virat Kohli will not be a part of the ODI series against Afghanistan (IND vs AFG) due to hamstring injury. In such a situation, the selectors have started considering the name of Rituraj Gaikwad as his replacement. With the arrival of Gaikwad in the team, the Indian batting order will be strengthened, while the team will also have an additional option available for opening. Ruturaj, who has consistently performed well in domestic cricket and IPL, has been waiting for a long time to return to the national team.

Since, Virat Kohli is not available for ODIs against Afghanistan, it should be Ruturaj Gaikwad who should be back in Indian team as his replacement.

In his last ODIs, he scored a terrific 100 in middle order alongside Virat off just 77 balls🔥🔥

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— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) June 4, 2026

IND vs AFG: Rajat Patidar will replace Rituraj in India A team

If Ruturaj Gaikwad is included in the Indian ODI team, then Rajat Patidar may get a chance in his place in the India A team. According to the report, the selectors are also considering this option. Patidar has recently been the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore for the second consecutive time as IPL champion. Currently he is participating in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League and is seen in great form.

IND vs AFG: This has been the ODI career of Rituraj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad played his last ODI for India against South Africa in December last year. So far he has scored 228 runs in 9 ODI matches at an average of 28.50. During this period, one century and one half-century have also come from his bat. Despite limited opportunities, Rituraj has shown his talent and remains in the eyes of the selectors.