So, the road to the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 has finally begun. The Shubman Gill-led India, hosting Afghanistan for a three-match series, tasted success as they won the opening game. While it was a rain-curtailed game, there were many talking points for India.
To the surprise of many, India handed debuts to two players in Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey. Both impressed, while the batting group clicked as well. Despite Rohit Sharma’s unfortunate run-out, there were many positives for the Men in Blue, who will play over 20 ODIs till the marquee event arrives in South Africa. Now, let us look at the major takeaways from the first ODI win at the picturesque Dharamsala for India.
Gurnoor Brar excites everyone
India suddenly have a luxury of having quite a few hit-the-deck bowlers. Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav, and Mohsin Khan are known for creating something off the wicket. Now add Gurnoor Brar‘s name on the list too. The 26-year-old had a fantastic debut against Afghanistan. First of all, he played over Prince Yadav, who was touted to start. But then Brar showed why he has been fast-tracked to the international setup despite limited domestic experience.
Brar took a wicket in his very first over and the most effective part was that he bowled at a quick pace. He was consistently in the mid or high 140s (km/h). But unlike Prasidh, Brar looked comfortable bowling at fuller lengths as well. Sometimes, he bowled too full but at that time, there was swing on offer too. All in all, he had a memorable debut, taking 3 for 27.
Gurnoor Brar’s speeds vs Afghanistan
| Ball No. | Speed (KPH) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 147.3 |
| 2 | 146.9 |
| 3 | 146.3 |
| 4 | 147.3 |
| 5 | 144.4 |
| 6 | 144.9 |
| 7 | 146.6 |
| 8 | 147.0 |
| 9 | 148.2 |
Nitish Kumar Reddy, the bowler, impresses
Nitish Kumar Reddy looked like a complete all-rounder at the IPL 2026. He made runs at No. 5 and bowled at decent speeds. Unlike previously, Reddy isn’t someone who just rolls his arm over. But he is becoming a proper option now. With Hardik Pandya injured, Reddy’s place became a certainty, and in Dharamsala, he was one of the most important bowlers.
After Rahmanullah Gurbaz took the game away with a breathtaking hundred, it was Reddy who ended his stay with a superb yorker. Behind the scenes, Reddy worked with a bowling coach and the hard work is paying off. He even took Mohammad Nabi’s wicket and finished the night with 2/31.
With the ODI World Cup to be played in South Africa, India need fast-bowling all-rounders, and Nitish Reddy’s stocks will go higher if he continues to impress with the ball. With the bat, he’s a tormentor already.
Sanity prevails, & KL Rahul batted at 5
On the eve of the first ODI, Indian management threw out an idea of having KL Rahul at three in the absence of Virat Kohli. Despite having Ishan Kishan, a reliable batter who can bat anywhere in the top three, Morne Morkel suggested that KL Rahul could bat one down.
Then, Rahul’s name was slotted in at three only when the team sheets came out after a delayed toss. Kishan took the gloves, which was a good tactic but having Rahul at three would’ve meant India would solve something that isn’t broken. Thankfully, sanity prevailed and it was Kishan who walked out at three to bat.
The southpaw, in his usual style, batted aggressively and gave a great account of himself in his comeback ODI game. He last played at the 2023 ODI World Cup and yesterday made an effective 22-ball 34. His fiery cameo took pressure off Shubman Gill after Rohit’s dismissal.
Then when KL Rahul eventually walked out to bat at his usual number five spot, he played a gem of a knock. He didn’t slog en route to his 39* off 19. But Rahul played some delightful strokes that you associate just with him.
He has redefined his game at a number five/six spot in ODIs. He started his career as an opener and played high up the order but has found tremendous success at five. 22.
His strike rate also touches 99, which is truly remarkable. His position shouldn’t be changed by the management, as it would be uncalled for.
Shubman Gill continues golden patch
Ever since Shubman Gill has become India’s captain (in Tests), no other individual has more international runs than him. Since last year (after his appointment as India captain), Gill has mustered 1338 runs at an amazing average of 70.42, including six centuries and four fifties. Safe to say that Gill is in the peak of his powers as far as his batting is concerned. His peak has coincided with him getting elevated as India’s captain. Gill had an outstanding English summer tour in Tests and since then he has smacked 1076 runs at an unbelievable average of 82.76, including six centuries in 15 Test innings.
Now, he has transferred that form in ODIs as well. After an awesome IPL 2026, Gill batted in the white-ball format, and showed he can carry a run chase on his own.
Gill’s unbeaten 84 off 66 balls will be remembered for taking him past the 3,000-run mark in ODIs faster than any Indian, but the innings was class as well. Throughout the chase, Gill looked completely in control. He pulled off a stunning one-handed catch at slip off Harsh Dubey, looked calm while taking DRS calls as well before guiding the innings with composure.
Only seven matches into his ODI captaincy stint, Gill seems comfortable carrying the added responsibility. If anything, the leadership role seems to have brought greater clarity to his batting.
Cricket
With Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson already out, Joe Root & Steve Smith there to win Fab Four Race
