The Indian men’s cricket team is set to begin its 2026-27 international whiite-ball season with a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan following the conclusion of the one-off Test between the two sides. The series forms part of Afghanistan’s historic multi-format tour of India, which includes one Test match and three ODIs.
The tour began with a one-off Test in Mullanpur from June 6 to 10, which India won comprehensively, as the focus now shifts to the 50-over format. The upcoming ODI series will be particularly significant as it marks the first-ever bilateral ODI series between India and Afghanistan, highlighting the growing stature of Afghan cricket on the international stage.
Afghanistan is led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi in both formats. The visitors have named a strong ODI squad that includes star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who was rested for the Test match. Rashid heads into the series in impressive form after claiming 21 wickets for Gujarat Titans during the 2026 Indian Premier League season and is expected to play a key role in Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
Even without Rashid in the Test side, Afghanistan fielded a competitive squad featuring several experienced internationals. Alongside Shahidi, players such as Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai provide quality and balance across the batting and all-round departments. Their performances will be crucial if Afghanistan are to challenge a strong Indian side in familiar conditions.
India, meanwhile, will be without several established names. Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah are unavailable for the series, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to miss the ODI leg due to a leg strain. Both Pandya and Rohit Sharma were initially included in the ODI squad by the selectors, subject to receiving fitness clearance for their respective injuries.
While Rohit has successfully recovered and joined the Indian squad in Mohali following the conclusion of the one-off Test, Pandya’s participation remains unlikely. Virat Kohli was replaced by Yashasvi Jaiswal due to a hamstring injury.
Despite those absences, India still possess a formidable lineup led by captain Shubman Gill. The squad includes experienced campaigners such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj and Yashasvi Jaiswal, offering a blend of experience and youth.
The series presents an important opportunity for India to test combinations and build momentum at the start of a new season, while Afghanistan will be aiming to make history in their maiden bilateral ODI series against the Men in Blue.
WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH 1ST ODI
The India vs Afghanistan ODI series will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India with the first ODI scheduled June 13 starting from 1:30 pm IST. Fans can also watch all matches via live streaming on the JioHotstar app and website.
ODI SQUADS
India: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer (VC), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharotai, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Malik, Bilal Sami
– Ends
