India cricket team will commence their preparations for the 2027 World Cup by taking on Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series that starts from June 13. Shubman Gill and co. who were prolific in the 50-over format of the game last year, lost 1-2 to New Zealand at the start of 2026 following which they have only played T20Is and a Test. With a host of big names including Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya being ruled out of the series due to injuries, India will be aiming to start their WC preparations on the right foot by testing their bench strength.
Predicted India playing XI for IND vs AFG 1st ODI
| Position | Player | Role |
| 1. | Rohit Sharma | Opener |
| 2. | Shubman Gill (C) | Opener |
| 3. | Ishan Kishan | Batter |
| 4. | Shreyas Iyer (VC) | Batter |
| 5. | KL Rahul (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 6. | Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-rounder |
| 7. | Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| 8. | Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner |
| 9. | Prasidh Krishna | Pacer |
| 10. | Prince Yadav | Pacer |
| 11. | Arshdeep Singh | Pacer |
No room for Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal was named as Virat Kohli’s replacement for the ODI series against Afghanistan after the latter was ruled out due to a leg injury. The southpaw, who has been knocking on the doors of the selectors for a spot in the ODIs over the years, last featured in a 50-over format game against South Africa in December 2025. However, despite being named Kohli’s replacement, Yashasvi is unlikely to find a spot in India’s playing XI for IND vs AFG 1st ODI.
Now, India’s opening combination in ODIs are fixed – Rohit and captain Gill. Jaiswal cannot essay any other role than that of an opener. With the Hitman cleared by the BCCI’s CoE to take part in the Afghanistan series, there remains very liitle chance for Jaiswal to make it to the playing XI. After all, that can only happen if the team decides to rest Rohit Sharma.
Ishan Kishan to replace Kohli at no.3?
Kishan last featured in an ODI way back in October 2023 against Afghanistan. Now, he is all set to return from exile to face the same opposition after working hard in the domestic circuit and impressing the selectors to earn his comeback. The southpaw has played 27 ODIs in which he has amassed 933 runs at an average of 42.40, including a highest score of 210.
Kishan is the best option for India to replace an injued Virat Kohli at number 3. While batting at that position, Ishan has scored 163 runs in 4 matches at an average of 40.75 and has two fifties to his name. Given the way he has performed at number 3 in the shortest format of the game in the recent past, he is the frontrunner to find a spot in India’s playing XI against Afghanistan.
Vice-captain Shreyas will bat at number 4 while Rahul, who will serve as the wicketkeeper as well, will essay his usual role as number 5. India will also want to have two all-rounders in the playing XI to increase their batting depth. With Hardik Pandya being ruled out of the series with a quadrecips injury, NKR will be expected to fullfill his quota of 10 overs. The other all-rounder in the line-up will be Sundar.
Prince Yadav to make India debut
Prince Yadav, who plays for LSG, has seemingly impressed the selectors by bagging 16 wickets from 12 matches in IPL 2026. In List A cricket, he has 29 wickets from 14 matches since making his debut in the format in 2024. He is likely to make his ODI debut in the IND vs AFG 1st ODI. While Siraj has been rested, India will want to have an more experienced Krishna along with Arshdeep to comprise of the pace department.
In the absence of Siraj and Bumrah, Arshdeep will spearhead the pace attack in the series, with Krishna serving as second fiddle.
India squad for AFG ODIs
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