India bowling coach Morne Morkel has ruled out concerns over any lingering niggle as Rohit Sharma gears up for a return to action in the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, which begins on June 13 in Dharamsala. The former fast bowler also indicated that India will use the series to give their in-form batters opportunities, with as many as three players potentially getting a chance to fill Virat Kohli’s No. 3 spot over the course of the series.
India will begin the final phase of their 18-month preparation for the ODI World Cup, which is likely to be held between October 1 and November 21 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The team will head into the series without some of their biggest names, including the rested Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli, who picked up an injury during the IPL final.
There were concerns over Rohit Sharma’s availability too after he struggled with a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 season, having featured in several matches for Mumbai Indians as an Impact Player. Rohit, however, cleared the BCCI’s fitness tests in time and joined the squad.
Fresh concerns emerged when, according to reporters, the star batter trained in Mohali wearing slightly different-looking thigh pads that appeared to provide additional protection around the injured hamstring area. However, Morkel dismissed any such concerns, insisting that the 38-year-old was fit and ready to go.
Incidentally, Rohit was among the first players to walk out for batting practice on the eve of the first ODI at the scenic HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
“I didn’t even notice that,” Morkel said when asked about the thigh pad.
“It just shows that I don’t think there’s any issue. He’s passed all his fitness tests. He’s cleared and ready to go. Obviously, the balls are coming at high speeds and you want to protect yourself, even if there’s a slight niggle. But I can assure you there’s nothing wrong. Rohit is moving well and training well. So excited to see him go,” he said.
“Always nice to have his experience back as well. Just the calmness that he brings to the dressing room is always a positive to have. He’s training well, he’s moving well. So I know that he’s also excited to go,” he added.
WHO WILL BAT AT KOHLI’S SPOT
Meanwhile, Morkel hinted that Virat Kohli’s vacant No. 3 spot could become something of a revolving door for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who replaced the former captain in the squad, as well as KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan.
Incidentally, Kishan was donning the gloves during training on the eve of the first ODI, while KL Rahul, who usually bats at No. 5, could be promoted up the order.
With Shreyas Iyer, the vice-captain of the ODI side, also in the mix, India’s batting unit looks more than capable despite the absence of Kohli.
“In terms of that number three slot, that’s something that in this series we’ll play around with. Even if it’s Ishan or KL or Yashasvi, it’s a nice opportunity now. We’ve got a couple of one-day games coming up and we’ll give guys opportunity in different slots.
“Just to give ourselves a better idea in terms of how we can go and structure the team and have different options,” said the former South Africa pacer.
India will also have Nitish Kumar Reddy in the lower middle order, with the all-rounder expected to help fill the void left by Hardik Pandya, who was ruled out of the ODI series through injury.
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