first ODI between India and Afghanistan It will be held on June 13 HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. Shubman Gill India will continue to lead the team while Afghanistan will rely on their formidable spin attack and explosive batting. Although India will enter the series as strong favourites, they will not be without their legendary player who has been sidelined due to injury.
Abhishek Nayar reveals India XI for first ODI
Former Indian cricketer and current analyst Abhishek Nayar Focusing on a balanced combination of youth, experience and all-round depth, he shared his preferred playing XI for the opening ODI. His selection highlights his aggressive top-order intent and multiple bowling options suited to the Dharamshala conditions.
Star Keys: Aggression at its peak
Nayar’s XI starts with a dynamic and attacking top line. He supported Gill and Rohit Sharma as a key opening pair that combines consistency with world-class expertise. To add additional firepower, Yashasvi Jaiswal It also includes a top order that gives India the flexibility to switch roles depending on pitch conditions and match situations. This aggressive combination signals India’s intent to dominate the power game and put Afghanistan under immediate pressure.
Solid middle order: Stability meets strength
The middle order in Nayar’s order is built around stability and adaptability. Shreyas Iyer while the innings anchor is expected KL Rahul provides versatility, able to bat in multiple positions depending on the game situation. Adds balance Hardik Pandyabringing explosive finishing along with valuable seam bowling options. His presence ensures that India maintain depth in both the batting and bowling departments. This core is designed to handle both early wickets and high-pressure chases, offering India a flexible batting structure that can adapt to different match scenarios.
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All-round depth and bowling attack
Nayar highlighted the balance of spin and pace in his XI. Washington Sundar and Tough Dubey provides spin variety and stroke depth in the lower middle order. In the speed department, Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar It was introduced to take advantage of the early swing conditions in the cool climate of Dharamshala. Their role will be crucial in early disruption of Afghanistan’s top order. For the final bowling pitch, Nayar maintained or offered flexibility Kuldeep Yadav or an extra seamer depending on the behavior of the pitch.
Abhishek Nayar’s India XI for the first ODI: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Harsh Dubey, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav/additional seamer
Fans will miss Virat Kohli’s presence
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the first ODI is his absence Virat Kohliand fans are expected to feel his absence deeply. Known for his unmatched consistency, intensity and ability to close innings under pressure, Kohli has been a central figure in India’s ODI success for over a decade. His absence due to a hamstring injury not only weakens India’s experienced core, but also eliminates a huge crowd, especially in high-profile series like this one. For many supporters, watching India play without Kohli feels incomplete as his energy on the field and match-winning performances have often defined the decisive moments in Indian cricket.
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