India’s long-term planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup begins with the three-match series against Afghanistan, starting in Dharamsala on Saturday. While the immediate focus will be on winning the series, the team management will also use the opportunity to assess players and combinations for the future.
A major point of interest will be Rohit Sharma, who returns after recovering from a hamstring issue sustained during the IPL. The veteran opener has regained fitness in time for the series, but with the World Cup still more than a year away, questions remain over whether he can continue at the highest level until the tournament in South Africa.
Virat Kohli’s absence due to a hamstring injury means India will have to reshuffle their batting order. Rohit is expected to partner captain Shubman Gill at the top, while either Ishan Kishan or Yashasvi Jaiswal could be given the responsibility of batting at No. 3. Shreyas Iyer is likely to occupy the No. 4 spot, with KL Rahul continuing as the team’s preferred wicketkeeper-batter in the middle order.
One player under particular scrutiny will be Nitish Kumar Reddy. The young all-rounder has impressed with his batting in recent months and is increasingly being viewed as a potential backup to injury-prone Hardik Pandya. However, India’s think tank will be keen to evaluate his bowling workload and effectiveness, especially as the team looks to build depth in the pace all-rounder department.
Reddy enjoyed a strong IPL campaign and now has a chance to establish himself in the ODI setup. His ability to contribute consistently with both bat and ball could be crucial to India’s plans going forward.
The bowling attack is likely to feature a mix of experience and fresh faces. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to handle the spin duties, while uncapped left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey provides another option. In the pace department, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna are set to lead the attack, with either Prince Yadav or Gurnoor Brar in line for an international debut.
With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj rested, the series offers an opportunity for India’s second line of fast bowlers to make an impression.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, arrive with a squad capable of challenging any side in white-ball cricket. The return of star leg-spinner Rashid Khan is a major boost for the visitors, while veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi adds experience and balance. Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan will draw confidence from their impressive performances in recent ICC tournaments and their growing reputation as a dangerous limited-overs side.
Fast bowler Mohammad Saleem, who grabbed attention with a six-wicket haul in the recent Test match against India, has also been included in the ODI squad and could play a key role.
With the picturesque Dharamsala venue offering pace, bounce and favourable conditions for stroke-making, the series promises to provide valuable answers for both teams as they continue building towards future challenges.
Squads:
India: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Harsh Dubey, Ishan Kishan, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav.
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Bilal Sami, Nangeyalia Kharoti, Fareed Ahmad Malik, AM Ghazanfar, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.