Virat Kohli injury sparks No. 3 battle as Morne Morkel juggles India's options: 'We'll play around'

Speaking about plans following Kohli's injury, Morkel suggested the ODI series vs Afghanistan could serve as a testing ground for several batting combinations.

Updated on: Jun 12, 2026, 21:02:16 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Virat Kohli's hamstring injury has handed India an unexpected selection dilemma ahead of the ODI series against Afghanistan. With preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup gathering pace, the team management is keen to settle on a preferred combination, making Kohli's absence a significant setback. The former captain has been one of India's most reliable performers in white-ball cricket and has repeatedly spoken about his ambition to feature in the next World Cup in South Africa.

Morne Morkel hints that KL Rahul is also an option for number 3 in Virat Kohli's absence. (PTI)

In his absence, the selectors have drafted in Yashasvi Jaiswal, offering the young left-hander another opportunity in the 50-over format. However, India are not short of alternatives for the crucial No. 3 position. Both Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul have experience batting in the top order and could be considered depending on the team's plans. The Afghanistan series now presents an opportunity for India to assess their bench strength while also identifying a dependable backup option behind Kohli ahead of the global event.

Speaking about India's plans following Kohli's injury, Morne Morkel suggested the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan could serve as a testing ground for several batting combinations. The bowling coach said players such as Jaiswal, Kishan and Rahul could all get opportunities as India seek greater flexibility in their top order.

"In terms of that number three slot, that's something that in this series we'll play around with. Even if it's Ishan or KL or Yashasvi, it's a nice opportunity now. We've got a couple of one-day games coming up and we'll give guys opportunity in different slots.

"Just to give ourselves a better idea in terms of how we can go and structure the team and have different options," said the former South Africa pacer.

Also Read - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi influence, Pat Cummins backing, Ishan Kishan freedom: Shivang Kumar carries SRH's DNA into MPL

“Nothing wrong with Rohit Sharma”

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma put any fitness concerns to rest after recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained during the IPL, taking part in a full-fledged training session ahead of India's first ODI against Afghanistan.

Providing an update on Rohit's recovery, Morkel said the veteran opener has fully cleared his fitness tests and is ready to return to action. He added that Rohit has trained well in the lead-up to the first ODI, leaving the team management encouraged by his condition.

"He has passed all his fitness tests. He's cleared and ready to go. Even if there is a slight niggle, but I can assure you there's nothing wrong with Rohit. He's moving well and training well. So, excited to see," Morkel added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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