After a short break from international cricket, Team India is 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 an opportunity to watch several senior stars in the national colors again.
The independent Test will be played in Mullanpur from June 6 to 10, while the ODI matches will be played in Dharamsala on June 14, Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20. The series is expected to mark the start of India’s preparations for the upcoming ICC tournaments and will also clarify the team’s management and squad formations 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 checkpoint for India’s ODIs going forward.
The mega stars will be back for the ODI leg
One of the biggest talking points about the series is the expected comeback Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the Indian ODI side. Both the legendary batsmen have stepped away from the other two international formats and are now expected to focus primarily on ODI cricket.
Their return will add great experience and stability to India’s batting line-up. Known for his ability to dominate attacks at the top, Rohit could be a partner again Shubman Gill creating a dangerous opening pair. Meanwhile, Kohli’s presence in the middle order will provide the calm and consistency India have relied on for over a decade.
The return of the pair is not only significant from a cricketing point of view but also a huge boost for fans who want to see the two greats of modern times together again in Indian colours. Their experience could also be key in guiding a relatively young group that is gradually becoming the backbone of India’s future ODI set-up.
India’s probable squad for the ODI series
Star switches
India are likely to have a strong top-order combination for the Afghanistan ODIs. Gill is expected to lead the side and continue his rise as one of India’s most reliable white-ball batsmen. Rohit’s likely return further strengthens the opening department.
Young lefty Yashasvi Jaiswal can also be included as a backup switch and an aggressive shot option. His fearless approach at the top gives India added comfort as they experiment with combinations during the series.
Solid middle order
He is expected to anchor the middle order alongside Kohli Shreyas Iyerwho is likely to serve as vice-captain. Both players have been among India’s most reliable ODI performers in recent years.
KL Rahul and Ishan Kishi Offer wicketkeeping options and batting depth. Rahul’s composure and ability to switch gears make him a valuable asset in the middle innings, while Kishan provides an attacking option capable of changing games quickly. Tilak Varma he is expected to retain his position after his impressive performances in limited opportunities.
Dynamic comprehensive
India’s probable squad also reflects the strong all-round department he leads Hardik Pandya. The ability to contribute with both bat and ball remains essential to team balance in ODI cricket.
Akhar Patel‘s consistency with the ball and improved swing make him an essential spin-bowling all-rounder. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy may earn another opportunity thanks to his exciting all-round potential and fearless style of cricket.
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Dazzling pace attack
India are likely to rely on a balanced bowling attack with both pace and spin. Muhammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna He is expected to lead the fast bowling unit Arshdeep Singh‘s left arm angle can add variety. Kuldeep Yadav is likely to lead the spin department after troubling the batsmen in the middle innings with his wrist spin. With experienced names returning and young talents looking to impress, India’s projected squad looks well equipped for the Afghanistan ODI series.
A notable omission from India’s likely ODI squad against Afghanistan could be a first-order paceman. jasprit bumrah. The star fast bowler is currently involved in IPL 2026 and is struggling to put up his regular match-winning performances this season. Several cricket experts believe that the dip in form could be related to the heavy workload that Bumrah has carried across formats in the last few years.
Given his importance to India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the team management and selectors may prefer to manage his workload carefully rather than risk exhaustion or injury in a relatively less demanding bilateral series.
India’s predicted squad for Afghanistan series: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddxy, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh.
