The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member ODI squad for the three-ODI series against Afghanistan on Tuesday. The series will be played between June 14 and 20 in Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai, resuming the team’s preparation for the 2027 men’s ODI World Cup.
With the several changes made to the squad, the selectors have given a clear indication of where the team is headed. Some things will remain the same, though.
Captain Shubman Gill is set to continue as the opener, with Virat Kohli at number three. Rohit Sharma’s name had an asterisk beside it, with the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia saying that his participation would be subject to fitness clearance.
Rohit suffered a hamstring injury during IPL 2026, and though
he’s back playing for the Mumbai Indians (MI), the selectors are reportedly concerned about his long-term physical readiness. There’s then a good chance that Rohit might not start the series or be rested entirely.
With Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal both dropped, the decks would be clear for Ishan Kishan to take that spot. Kishan, lest it’s forgotten, has a double-century in ODI cricket.
The numbers four-five-six are clear as day for India, with Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya. Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s penchant for all-rounders shows in the squad, and Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar should get into the 11.
The bowling attack would likely remain the same from the New Zealand series, with Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna holding forth for the pace department and Kuldeep Yadav supporting Sundar in the spin group. Apart from Prasidh, none of the bowlers has shown extraordinary form in IPL 2026 so far, so expect the three uncapped players — Harsh Dubey, Prince Yadav, and Gurnoor Brar to get a go at some stage.
India’s likely playing 11 for 1st ODI vs Afghanistan: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma/Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (Vice Captain), KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna
Subs: Harsh Dubey, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar
