India’s ODI journey resumes with a crucial challenge against Afghanistan as both teams begin focusing on preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The first ODI of the three-match series will be played on June 13 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
For nearly two years, Indian cricket has been heavily centered around the T20 format. Team selection, player workload management, and long-term planning were all influenced by the recent T20 World Cup campaign. With the next major global tournament set to be played in the 50-over format, attention is now shifting back to ODI cricket.
India Looking Ahead to the ODI World Cup
India enter the series with a few concerns. Several injuries and workload management decisions have impacted the squad, particularly the pace bowling department. The attack expected to take the field in Dharamsala may look significantly different from the one India hopes to use during next year’s World Cup.
However, the situation has created opportunities for emerging players. Uncapped fast bowlers Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav are in line for potential international debuts during the series.
The absence of Virat Kohli due to injury has also opened up a vacancy at the crucial No. 3 position. India’s management has indicated that multiple players could be considered for the role, including Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
India Aim to Bounce Back After Recent ODI Setback
India’s recent ODI form suffered a setback with a home series defeat against New Zealand. It was only their third series loss during the current World Cup cycle and their first home ODI series defeat to a non-Australian team since 2016.
That result highlighted areas where India still need improvement before entering another major ICC event.
The Afghanistan series provides an ideal opportunity to test combinations and identify players who can strengthen the squad for future tournaments.
Afghanistan Arrive Full of Confidence
Afghanistan have developed into one of the most dangerous ODI teams in world cricket. They have won five of their last six ODI series during the current World Cup cycle and secured an impressive series victory against South Africa in the UAE.
The upcoming series against India presents another major test for Hashmatullah Shahidi’s side. Unlike the slower conditions they often encounter in the UAE, Dharamsala is expected to offer better batting conditions along with assistance for fast bowlers.
Afghanistan will be eager to prove that they can compete consistently against top-ranked teams.
Why Dharamsala Could Be a Key World Cup Venue
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala is known for offering pace, bounce, and carry that closely resemble conditions found in South Africa.
With the next ODI World Cup approaching, both India and Afghanistan will view this venue as an important testing ground. Performances here could provide valuable insights into how players may perform in similar conditions during future ICC events.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Rain has affected preparations leading up to the match, and weather forecasts suggest more showers could arrive on match day.
The moisture in the pitch could help fast bowlers, especially during the opening overs. Captains may face a difficult decision at the toss.
Although chasing is often preferred in white-ball cricket, statistics from the 2023 ODI World Cup in Dharamsala showed that teams batting first won three out of five matches.
India Probable Playing XI
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Rohit Sharma
- Ishan Kishan / Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
- Nitish Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Prasidh Krishna
- Gurnoor Brar / Prince Yadav
Afghanistan Probable Playing XI
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
- Ikram Alikhil (Wicketkeeper)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- AM Ghazanfar
- Bilal Sami / Mohammad Saleem
Players to Watch
Rohit Sharma
After receiving clearance from the medical team, Rohit Sharma is expected to return for the opening ODI. His experience at the top of the order will be crucial for India.
Rashid Khan
The star spinner missed Afghanistan’s recent one-off Test match but returns for the ODI series. Rashid remains one of the biggest match-winners in world cricket and has been in outstanding ODI form since the 2023 World Cup.
Nitish Reddy
With Hardik Pandya unavailable, Nitish Reddy has a significant opportunity to establish himself in India’s ODI setup.
Key Stats
- India have never lost an ODI to Afghanistan.
- Out of four completed ODIs between the teams, India have won three while one ended in a tie.
- Rashid Khan has taken 27 wickets in 14 ODIs since the 2023 World Cup.
- Afghanistan have used spin bowling for nearly 61% of their overs during the current World Cup cycle, the highest among Full Member nations.
What They Said
India bowling coach Morne Morkel emphasized that the team is focused on improving its ODI cricket by learning from recent series against South Africa and New Zealand.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said the series would help his side assess where they stand against one of the strongest teams in international cricket.
Final Word
The India vs Afghanistan ODI series is more than just another bilateral contest. It marks the beginning of serious World Cup preparations for both teams. While India will look to test new combinations and regain momentum, Afghanistan will aim to continue their rise as a major force in ODI cricket.
With Rohit Sharma returning, young fast bowlers pushing for opportunities, and Rashid Khan leading Afghanistan’s challenge, the opening ODI in Dharamsala promises to be an exciting contest.
