Virat Kohli batted despite hamstring tendon tear in IPL 2026 final; ruled out of Afghanistan series, question mark over England tour

India’s in-form batter Virat Kohli batted through pain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final against Gujarat Titans (GT) to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a five-wicket win. Days after the second consecutive IPL title win, Kohli has been ruled out of the three-ODI series against Afghanistan which begins on June 13 in Dharamsala.

Sports Tak has learnt that Kohli suffered a distal semimembranosus tendon tear. In layman terms, it is an uncommon injury which leads to acute knee pain.

ALSO READ: Ahead of Ireland, England tour, Krunal Pandya hopeful of selection after 2 consecutive IPL titles with RCB

When did Kohli get injured in IPL 2026 final?

In the IPL 2026 final, Kohli had called for a physio in the 11th over of the run chase. After the fourth ball of the over where he ran a couple of runs, Kohli needed medical attention. He faced discomfort in his right hamstring. After initial treatment, he was ready to go and scored his career's fastest IPL fifty from 25 balls. 

ALSO READ: 'How are you paying this guy up to a £1 million per year?': Ex-NZ pacer believes Jofra Archer has no interest in playing Test cricket

In the 13th over, he had hobbled to other end for a single off Rashid's bowling. The discomfort continued of the run chase and eventually took his team over the line with a six off the last ball of the 18th over.

Kohli to join Hardik in Bengaluru?

Kohli has been asked to report to Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru where all-rounder Hardik Pandya is currently set to prove his fitness leading up to the ODI series against Afghanistan. Also, Rohit Sharma is expected to report to CoE as well. Rohit's participation in the ODI series is subject to fitness alongside Pandya.

Question mark over England series as well?

The extent of the injury is still unknown until BCCI shares an official medical update. Injuries like hamstring tendon tear take three to eight weeks to recover. The recovery time can extend up to 12 weeks in some cases. However, Kohli is one of the fittest cricketers in world cricket and the recovery period can be shortened.

Currently, there is a question mark over his participation in the three-ODI series against England. The series is scheduled to begin on July 14 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

If Kohli doesn’t play in England series as well, it will be a huge blow to their preparation for the ODI World Cup 2027. Before the IPL 2026, Kohli was in splendid form in the ODI format, scoring centuries and breaking records in home series against South Africa and New Zealand. Also, he made his return to Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 and piled on runs.