It remains to be seen if Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, who sustained injuries recently, will be a part of IND vs AFG ODI series.
The Indian cricket team will kick-start their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup with the series against Afghanistan, which commences from June 13 onwards. Despite a full-strength squad named for the three-match series, the availability of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya is subject to fitness, and their participation isn’t guaranteed. While India have named back-up players in the squad, it remains to be seen who the team will field in their playing XI for the 1st ODI vs AFG, which commences just a few days after the conclusion of IPL 2026.
Predicted India playing XI vs Afghanistan in ODIs
Is Rohit fit to play or will Ishan replace him?
Rohit Sharma has been India’s second-highest run-getter in ODIs since October 2025, having scored 9 runs at an average of 51.12, since the Champions Trophy 2025. Having scored 11,577 runs in 282 ODIs, the batter scored 650 runs from 14 games in 2025 and 61 runs in 3 matches in 2026. His performance in IPL 2026 has been meagre, having amassed 283 runs from 9 matches. He suffered a hamstring injury, which saw him miss a few games in IPL 2026. While he was used as an impact player in the rest of the games, there is no such option for Team India to tread on a similar path when it comes to ODIs. Therefore, Rohit must play the entire contest or simply sit out if he isn’t fit.
Ishan Kishan, who played his last ODI way back in 2023, has been named in the squad for the series against AFG. The southpaw has 933 runs from 27 ODIs, including a highest score of 210. While he fell out of favour with the selectors in 2023, his performances in the domestic circuit and in IPL 2026 have propelled him back to the reckoning in international cricket. Therefore, if Rohit isn’t fit, then Kishan could replace him as an opener in the 1st ODI against Afghanistan.
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Gill, the ODI captain, will continue to open the innings and will not be a part of the workload management discussions despite being a part of the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Virat will be the number three while Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will serve as number 4 and 5, respectively.
What about Hardik Pandya?
Hardik Pandya has been named a part of India’s squad for the series against Afghanistan. But, it is subject to his fitness. The all-rounder missed a few games for MI in IPL 2026 due to a back spasm. While he returned for the final league stage game, he did well with the bat, but did not bowl. In fact, Pandya’s ability to bowl 10 overs in the 50-over format has been doubted in the recent past, fuelling speculations of if he will be considered for selection for the ODI World Cup in 2027.
Nitish Kumar Reddy has been selected in the squad for the ODI series vs AFG, and is likely to play in place of HP, should the latter be unavailable. Pandya last played an ODI on March 9, 2025, and since then has faced multiple injuries, with the latest coming in IPL 2026 (back spasm).
All-rounders galore
Apart from NKR / Hardik, Washington Sundar and Harsh Dubey are the other all-rounders who are expected to be a part of the playing XI for the 1st ODI vs AFG. Dubey earned his maiden call-up to the ODI squad after picking up 31 wickets and scoring 296 runs from 27 List A games.
With Bumrah and Siraj rested, India are expected to play Arshdeep and Prasidh as the frontline pacers. Prince Yadav, who did well in IPL 2026 and rightfully deserved an ODI call-up, could get a chance in the next game, along with Brar. India are expected to go with 3 pacers and spinners each in the contest.
India squad for Afghanistan ODIs
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma*, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya*, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey