India enter the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan with a clear objective: build momentum and identify key combinations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Having lost three of their last five ODIs, including a home series defeat to New Zealand, the Men in Blue will be eager to return to winning ways despite missing several senior players due to injuries and workload management. While Virat Kohli’s absence weakens the batting unit slightly, India’s batting lineup still possesses enough experience and firepower to challenge any opposition.
The bigger focus, however, will be on the bowling attack, which has a fresh look. Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh have limited ODI experience between them, while young pacers Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar are yet to make their ODI debuts. With the next World Cup set to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, India is keen to develop a stronger pace-bowling pool capable of succeeding in overseas conditions.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after winning their last four ODIs. The Asian side is still searching for its first ODI victory over India, having lost three of its four meetings, with the remaining match ending in a tie. However, Afghanistan’s recent performances suggest they are more than capable of causing an upset.
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The visitors will also draw confidence from their impressive 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, where they pushed several top teams and came close to reaching the semi-finals. With much of that core group still intact and star spinner Rashid Khan back in the squad after missing the one-off Test against India, Afghanistan have the experience and quality to challenge the hosts.
One player India will closely monitor is Nitish Kumar Reddy. With Hardik Pandya’s recurring injury concerns continuing to trouble team management, Reddy has emerged as a promising fast-bowling all-round option. The youngster impressed during IPL 2026 with both bat and ball and also scored a half-century in his most recent ODI appearance. This series presents a valuable opportunity for him to strengthen his claim as India’s long-term all-around solution.
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For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai remains a key figure. Since his standout performances at the 2023 World Cup, the all-rounder has become one of Afghanistan’s most reliable ODI performers. With 24 wickets in his last 10 ODIs alongside several impactful innings with the bat, Omarzai could play a decisive role, especially with the new ball against India’s powerful top order.
India
With Virat Kohli ruled out by a hamstring injury, Ishan Kishan is likely to slot into the No. 3 role after a strong run in domestic cricket, the IPL and India’s 2026 T20 World Cup campaign. Rohit Sharma is fit to open alongside captain Shubman Gill, while Nitish Kumar Reddy looks set to cover for the injured Hardik Pandya. One of Prince Yadav or Gurnoor Brar is also expected to make an ODI debut.
Probable XI: Shubman Gill (capt), Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav/Gurnoor Brar
Afghanistan
Fast bowler Mohammad Saleem has been added after an impressive performance in the lone Test in New Chandigarh. He could replace Bilal Sami if the visitors go with a lone specialist quick alongside Azmatullah Omarzai, or he may come in for one of the spinners, depending on conditions. Senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi is also a doubt after falling ill.
Probable XI: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rashid Khan, Mohammad Saleem, AM Ghazanfar, Ziaur Rahman
