India will next turn its attention to One-Day Internationals, travelling to Dharamsala to take on Afghanistan in a three-ODI series starting June 13. This series marks India’s return to the 50-over arena after spending nearly two years in a T20-centric bubble, with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 looming just over a year away at this point.
For the last couple of years, India’s planning revolved mostly around T20Is – selections, workloads and squad composition all measured in terms of performances in the full-fledged T20 World Cup that was flagged off just this week. The focus now shifts to trying to build together a settled ODI side that can challenge for the next major global title.
However, India have a few glaring issues ahead of the series. Even fitness management led to some changes, especially in the pace department. Virat Kohli will not play because of injury, and neither does star all-rounder Hardik Pandya on the exclusion list. These departures left spaces for younger players to shine.
Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav are among the uncapped fast bowlers in line for international debuts while it is still unclear as to who would bat at No. 3. India also have the option for any one from Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul in presence of Kohli.
The hosts are also motivated by having lost a recent ODI series against New Zealand at home. The defeat also pointed to some areas that will need more work as India start formulating their plans already for the 2027 World Cup.
AFGHANISTAN, on the other hand, arrived with new-found confidence. The team has had an excellent ODI cycle, having won five of their last six bilateral ODI series. They proved world-beaters when they beat South Africa in a series a winning series last summer, and will look at this tour as one where to hang with the best around.
Conditions in Dharamsala may be crucial to the contest. However, the recent rainfall and more showers in the forecast will help fine-tune fit fast bowlers known for running through, particularly with a new ball. The nature of the place and the bounce, too, is used to be rated among the nearest any in India can get to South African conditions – a vital preparatory series for both teams.
India are expected to field a strong lineup featuring Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh. Rohit has received clearance to play and is set to feature in the opening match.
Afghanistan’s hopes will once again rest on experienced players such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Rashid’s return to the ODI setup significantly strengthens Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
With both teams looking ahead to the next ODI World Cup, the series promises to provide important insights into their progress and ambitions in the 50-over format.