After some time off from international cricket, team india are set to return to action with a multi-format home series against afghanistan In June. The series will consist of a one-off Test match followed by a three-match ODI series, giving Indian fans a chance to see many senior stars in the national colors once again.
The standalone Test will be played in Mullanpur from June 6 to 10, while the ODI matches will be held in Dharamshala on June 14, Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20. It is expected that this series will be the beginning of India’s preparations for future ICC tournaments and will also provide clarity regarding the team leadership and team combination in the 50-over format.
With the return of senior players and a mix of youth and experience, the Afghanistan series could prove to be an important testing point for India’s ODI setup going forward.
Mega stars will return for the ODI phase
One of the biggest talking points about the series is its expected return Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli In India’s ODI team. Both the legendary batsmen have opted out of the other two international formats and are now expected to focus mainly on ODI cricket.
His return is likely to add extensive experience and stability to India’s batting lineup. Rohit, known for his ability to dominate attacks at the top, can once again form a partnership Shubman Gill To form a dangerous opening pair. Meanwhile, Kohli’s presence in the middle order will provide the peace and stability that India have been relying on for over a decade.
The return of these two is not only important from a cricketing perspective, but is also a big boost for the fans who are eager to see two great players of the modern era together in Indian colours. His experience could also play a vital role in guiding the relatively young group that is slowly becoming the core of India’s future ODI setup.
India’s probable team for ODI series
star opener
India are likely to have a powerful top-order combination for the Afghanistan ODI. Gill is expected to lead the team and continue to grow as one of India’s most reliable white-ball batsmen. The opening department has become stronger with the possible return of Rohit.
young left hander Yashasvi Jaiswal Can also be included as a backup opener and aggressive batting option. His fearless approach at the top gives India added flexibility to experiment with combinations during the series.
solid midrange
It is expected that Kohli will take charge of the middle order. Shreyas IyerWho is likely to serve as the vice-captain. Both players have been among India’s most reliable ODI performers in recent years.
KL Rahul And Ishan Kishan Provide wicketkeeping options and batting depth. Rahul’s composure and ability to change gears make him a valuable asset in the middle overs, while Kishan provides an attacking option who is capable of changing the game quickly. Tilak Verma He is expected to retain his place despite impressive performances in limited opportunities.
dynamic allrounder
India’s probable team also shows leadership from a strong all-round department hardik pandya. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball is important for team balance in ODI cricket.
Akshar PatelHis consistency with the ball and improvement with the bat makes him an important spin-bowling all-rounder. During this time, Nitish Kumar Reddy Could earn another opportunity thanks to his exciting all-round ability and fearless style of cricket.
Also read: Top 3 contenders for India’s next T20I captain after Suryakumar Yadav
blinding fast attack
India are likely to rely on a balanced bowling attack that includes both pace and spin. Mohammad Siraj And Prasidh Krishna Whereas, he is expected to lead the fast bowling unit Arshdeep SinghThe left hand angle can add variety. -Kuldeep Yadav He is likely to lead the spin department after consistently troubling the batsmen with his wrist spin in the middle overs. With experienced names returning and young talent eager to impress, India’s projected squad looks well-equipped for the Afghanistan ODI series.
One notable omission from India’s probable ODI squad against Afghanistan could be the leading fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The star fast bowler is currently involved in IPL 2026 and has struggled to produce his usual match-winning performances this season. Many cricket experts believe that the decline in form may be related to Bumrah’s heavy workload across formats over the past few years.
Considering his importance in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the team management and selectors may prefer to manage his workload carefully rather than risk burnout or injury in a relatively less demanding bilateral series.
India’s predicted squad for Afghanistan series: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tilak Verma, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
