India’s Probable Squad vs Afghanistan: Fresh Faces, Big Returns and World Cup Focus

India’s three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, beginning on June 14, is expected to mark the start of the team’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. After losing their previous ODI series 2-1 against New Zealand earlier in 2026, the Men in Blue will now look to reset and rebuild momentum in the 50-over format.

Earlier this year, India’s primary focus remained on the T20 World Cup 2026, where they eventually emerged champions. As a result, workload management and player rotation dominated team selections. However, with the T20 assignment now behind them, attention has firmly shifted towards building a settled ODI squad for the future.

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The Afghanistan series comes immediately after IPL 2026, making squad selection particularly challenging. Several players are also expected to feature in the one-off Test against Afghanistan between June 6 and 10, leaving little recovery time before the ODI series begins.

Kohli and Rohit Return Under the Spotlight

Veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to return to international cricket for the first time since January 2026. Both players have openly expressed their desire to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup, making this series an important checkpoint in their journey.

Kohli enters the series in strong form after another successful IPL season, crossing the 500-run mark once again. His consistency in white-ball cricket continues to strengthen his case for a long ODI run heading into 2027.

Rohit, meanwhile, has endured a comparatively difficult IPL campaign, scoring 268 runs in seven matches while struggling with fitness concerns. Despite the challenges, the Indian captain remains a key figure in India’s ODI setup and will be eager to rediscover form against Afghanistan.

The squad is also expected to feature established names such as Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel.

Workload Concerns and Fresh Faces

One of the major talking points ahead of the series is workload management. Players involved in the one-off Test, including Gill, Rahul, Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy, may not feature in all three ODIs.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir is also expected to continue his preference for multi-dimensional cricketers. As a result, all-rounders such as Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy are likely to play crucial roles in the series.

The selectors may also use the series to test emerging talents. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sai Sudharsan are among the batting options under consideration, while young pacer Prince Yadav could earn his maiden ODI call-up after an impressive IPL 2026 campaign.

Prince has reportedly impressed selectors with his pace and wicket-taking ability, picking up 16 wickets in the IPL season. His inclusion could add depth to India’s pace attack alongside Bumrah, Siraj and Arshdeep Singh.

While Afghanistan may enter the series as underdogs, the assignment carries major significance for India. With less than two years left for the 2027 ODI World Cup, every series from here onward could shape the future of India’s white-ball core.

Probable India Squad for ODI Series vs Afghanistan