India Will play in the third and final ODI against afghanistan After winning the first two matches in Dharamshala and Lucknow to clinch the series, the confidence rests firmly on his team. Since the competition was already decided, Shubman Gill And his men will now turn their attention to completing a 3-0 whitewash when the teams meet at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on June 20.
In a timely boost before the conclusion of the series, the Indian camp has welcomed an important fast-bowling option, which will provide a boost to the team as they prepare for the final match.
Star pacer returns after long injury
BCCI confirmed the fast bowling all-rounder on Friday (June 19) Harshit Rana He has been included in India’s squad for the third ODI after successfully completing his rehabilitation at the BCCI Center of Excellence. After regaining full fitness, the 24-year-old has now joined the squad in Chennai and is available for selection.
Rana faced a frustrating few months after suffering a knee injury during a warm-up match. South Africa On 4 February. The setback forced him to miss the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year, where he was replaced. Mohammad SirajAnd also ruled him out of IPL 2026, thereby depriving Kolkata Knight Riders of the services of one of their promising young pacers.
Although he had already been named in India’s squad for the upcoming T20I matches England And irelandwith asian games In Japan, his inclusion in the ODI team opens up the possibility of an earlier-than-expected return to competitive cricket.
Rana’s last appearance for India came during the limited overs series new zealand Before the T20 World Cup. He impressed in the final ODI of that series, taking three wickets and playing a vital innings of 52 not out off just 43 balls at No. 8, highlighting his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
In 14 ODIs, the right-arm pacer has taken 26 wickets at an average of 27.38, while also showcasing his lower-order batting skills on several occasions.
Also read: Mohit Sharma predicts India’s playing XI for ODI World Cup 2027; Kuldeep Yadav missed
MA Chidambaram awaits final showdown as India chases whitewash
The final ODI in Chennai now provides an opportunity for India to finish the series on a high and maintain their winning momentum. With the series already secured, the team management may consider changing players and giving him immediate chances to assess Rana’s match fitness in international conditions.
As the action shifts to Chennai, all eyes will be on whether the returning fast bowler finds a place in the playing eleven and whether India can pull off an impressive 3-0 win against Afghanistan before turning their attention to future international assignments.
India’s updated team for the third ODI: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Yashasvi Jaiswal and the returning Harshit Rana.
