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India face test of depth in first-ever ODI series against Afghanistan

Ali Naseer · 12/06/2026 · 4 min read

Big picture: Which team will shake off the rust better?

As the international cricket calendar shifts focus, India face test of depth in first-ever ODI series against Afghanistan. Having endured a challenging run in the 50-over format, including a recent series defeat at home against New Zealand, the hosts are eager to build momentum ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. While the batting lineup remains formidable even in the absence of Virat Kohli, the bowling department features a vastly different look, prioritizing the development of young quicks.

India enters this series without several established names, creating a platform for the next generation to prove their mettle. With Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh leading a relatively inexperienced attack, and newcomers like Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar waiting in the wings, the focus is squarely on building depth for the future requirements in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Afghanistan, conversely, enters the fray with significant confidence. Riding a four-match winning streak, they are hungry to register their first-ever ODI series victory against a giant of the game, bolstered by their strong performance in the 2023 World Cup and the return of star spinner Rashid Khan.

Form guide

India: L-L-W-W-L (Most recent first)
Afghanistan: W-W-W-W-L

In the spotlight: The rise of allrounders

The quest for a reliable fast-bowling allrounder remains a priority for the Indian selection committee. With Hardik Pandya’s fitness often under scrutiny, Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as a promising solution. His impressive showing in the 2026 IPL, characterized by increased pace and consistent batting, makes him a vital cog in the machine. This series serves as a critical audition for Reddy ahead of the upcoming English tour.

READ: RR ride on teen steam against steady GT with final in sight - IPL 2026 Qualifier 2: RR vs GT Preview, Pitch Report & Key Battles

For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai is the man to watch. Following a breakout 2023 World Cup campaign where he averaged 70.60 with the bat and contributed vital wickets, Omarzai has cemented his status as a world-class utility player. His ability to provide breakthroughs with the new ball will be essential if Afghanistan is to stifle the Indian top order.

Team news and tactical shifts

With Virat Kohli sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Ishan Kishan is expected to anchor the No. 3 spot. Kishan’s prolific domestic form and successful stint in the 2026 T20 World Cup suggest he is ready for the responsibility. The team will be led by Shubman Gill, who opens alongside the experienced Rohit Sharma.

Probable India XI: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav/Gurnoor Brar.

Afghanistan’s composition remains fluid, with the late inclusion of quick Mohammad Saleem providing more pace options. Senior campaigner Mohammad Nabi remains a doubt due to illness, which may force a reshuffle in the middle-order balance.

Probable Afghanistan XI: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Saleem, AM Ghazanfar, Ziaur Rahman.

Statistical milestones and pitch report

This series marks a historic first for the two nations in a bilateral ODI capacity. Previous encounters have been restricted to ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. As both sides prepare for the Dharamsala conditions, they must account for the venue’s tendency to offer lateral movement for the new ball. While the outfield is conducive to scoring, the pitch has historically rewarded teams that adapt quickly to its variable pace. Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill approach the match with personal milestones in sight, both nearing the 3000-run mark in ODI cricket, a testament to their consistency at the international level.

READ: West Indies, Sri Lanka in high-stakes push to claim 2027 World Cup spot

Key Stats

This is the first bilateral ODI series between India and Afghanistan.
Rashid Khan has claimed five wickets in three previous ODI encounters against India.
Shreyas Iyer is just 23 runs away from reaching 3000 ODI runs.
Shubman Gill requires 47 runs to reach the 3000-run milestone in the format.

Ali Naseer

Ali Naseer is a senior sports correspondent for The News International, known for his authoritative coverage of Pakistan cricket and his razor‑sharp technical analysis. A graduate of the University of Karachi, he began his career documenting club cricket in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Northern Areas, bringing to light the raw fast‑bowling talent that has become Pakistan’s hallmark. Ali’s work now spans global ICC tournaments and every edition of the Pakistan Super League, where he is a familiar face in the press box. He combines an intimate knowledge of the domestic structure with an ability to break down high‑pressure match situations for a national readership. His columns on the art of reverse swing and the history of Pakistani pace bowlers have become essential reading for fans. Twice honoured by the APNS and his own paper, Ali remains dedicated to telling the stories of the players and places that keep Pakistan cricket alive.