Virat Kohli's absence from India's upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan has brought renewed attention to a common yet potentially serious sports injury. The star batter has been ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final, with scans confirming a distal semimembranosus tendon tear.
According to reports, Kohli had also been experiencing discomfort around his knee and ankle during the tournament. Following the injury, the BCCI decided to rest him for the series beginning on June 13.
What Is a Hamstring Injury?
Dr Prateek Kumar Gupta, sports surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, explained that a hamstring injury is a strain or tear in the muscles at the back of the thigh. These injuries typically occur after sudden explosive activity in the lower limb, which places high stress on the muscle beyond its capacity, resulting in a strain that can progress to a complete tear.
He noted that the injury is commonly linked to sudden movements during sport, often after a bad twist or fall, but sometimes fatigue or overactivity can predispose an athlete to such an injury.
The Hamstring Muscle Group
The hamstring is a group of three muscles located at the back of the thigh that help the body walk, run, jump, and climb stairs. These muscles also play a crucial role in knee and hip movement. Excessive stress during sprinting, sudden acceleration, abrupt changes in direction, or overstretching can cause these muscles or their tendons to strain or tear.
The specific injury reported in Kohli's case, a distal semimembranosus tendon tear, affects one of the hamstring tendons near the back of the knee. Such injuries can range from mild damage to a partial or complete tear.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Dr Ramkinkar Jha, Director of Orthopaedics at CK Birla Hospital, said that a hamstring injury occurs when any of the three muscles in the posterior part of the thigh is injured. These muscles bend the knee joint and extend the hip joint during walking, running, jumping, and climbing stairs. This kind of injury usually arises from sudden acceleration, sprinting, stretching beyond limits, and sports that involve rapid changes in direction. Other contributing factors include insufficient warm-up, muscle fatigue, reduced muscle flexibility, and muscle imbalance.
Grades of Hamstring Injuries
Doctors generally classify hamstring injuries into three grades:
- Grade One: A mild strain with pain and tightness but little loss of function.
- Grade Two: A partial tear, often causing swelling, pain, and difficulty in movement.
- Grade Three: The most severe form, involving a complete tear, resulting in severe pain, weakness, and major difficulty in walking.
Symptoms can vary depending on the extent of damage. Dr Jha added that patients may also experience tenderness, bruising, muscle weakness, and pain while bearing weight. In severe cases, an obvious gap in the muscle or tendon may be visible.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment depends largely on the severity of the injury. Dr Gupta stated that the usual treatment for a hamstring injury includes initial rest, ice packs, some splinting, and anti-inflammatory medication. This is followed by gradual physical therapy and rehabilitation to return to full activity.
Dr Jha noted that physiotherapy and strengthening exercises are essential for restoring flexibility and muscle function, while surgery may be required in severe cases.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery periods vary significantly. Mild injuries can heal within a few weeks, while more serious tears may keep an athlete out of action for months. Dr Gupta said the injury usually takes between six and eight weeks to heal with proper treatment, but sometimes it can last for three months or longer.
Dr Jha echoed the need for patience during recovery, noting that the duration varies from person to person. Milder cases can heal in two to four weeks, moderate cases need four to eight weeks, and serious tears require three months or even more. He emphasized that it is important to avoid returning to physical activity too early, as this increases the risk of further damage.
Prognosis for Kohli
While the exact severity of Kohli's tendon tear has not been disclosed, specialists say timely treatment and adherence to rehabilitation protocols are critical. Most patients with hamstring injuries, including distal semimembranosus tendon tears, can return to normal activity if the injury is diagnosed early and managed appropriately.
