India and Afghanistan are set to make history as they prepare for their first-ever bilateral ODI series, with both teams entering the contest after lengthy breaks from the 50-over format. While India aim to regain momentum ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan arrive with confidence after a strong run of results and hopes of securing their first ODI victory over India.
The series presents an opportunity for both sides to evaluate their combinations, particularly with several key players unavailable and new faces expected to feature prominently.
India Seek Answers Ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup
India head into the series after losing three of their last five completed ODIs, including a home series defeat against New Zealand in their most recent assignment in the format. With preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup already underway, the hosts will view this series as an important step in rebuilding momentum.
Several first-choice players are either injured or rested, giving selectors and team management a valuable opportunity to assess the squad’s depth. Although Virat Kohli is unavailable, India’s batting unit remains largely intact.
The bowling attack, however, will have a significantly different look. Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh collectively possess only 38 ODI appearances, while Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar are yet to make their ODI debuts. With the next World Cup scheduled in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, strengthening the pace-bowling resources remains a key objective.
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Afghanistan Eye Historic Breakthrough
Afghanistan arrive in India having won their previous four ODIs and will be encouraged by the possibility of causing an upset against an opponent they have never defeated in the format.
Additional confidence may come from Afghanistan A’s victory over India in a tri-series in Sri Lanka just two days before the opening ODI.
The visitors also carry positive memories from the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where they mounted an impressive campaign and narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth. Much of that squad remains intact, providing continuity and experience as Afghanistan embark on their first bilateral ODI series on Indian soil.
A major boost for the team is the availability of star legspinner Rashid Khan, who missed the Test match against India but returns for the ODI series.
Lack of Recent ODI Cricket a Shared Challenge
Neither side has played much ODI cricket recently.
India’s most recent ODI appearance came in January, while Afghanistan have not featured in the format since October 2025. As a result, both teams may require some time to adjust back to the demands and tempo of 50-over cricket.
Recent ODI Form
India: LLWWL (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
Afghanistan: WWWWL
Players to Watch
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Growing Importance
India continue to search for reliable fast-bowling allround options, particularly given Hardik Pandya’s recurring injury concerns. Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as a strong candidate to fill that role.
Reddy enhanced his reputation during IPL 2026, showing increased pace with the ball while contributing heavily with the bat. He also registered a half-century in his most recent ODI outing.
With an ODI tour of England scheduled for July following this series, the upcoming matches provide Reddy with another opportunity to strengthen his case as a dependable allround option whenever Hardik is unavailable.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s All-Round Threat
Azmatullah Omarzai remains one of Afghanistan’s most influential ODI performers and returns to India with fond memories.
During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Omarzai scored 353 runs across nine innings at an average of 70.60 and claimed seven wickets. His form has remained impressive since then.
Across his last 10 ODI appearances, he has collected 24 wickets and has taken at least one wicket in every match. During that period, he has also produced two half-centuries along with two scores in the forties.
His ability with the new ball could prove crucial against India’s powerful top order.
Team News
India Likely to Promote Ishan Kishan
Virat Kohli has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury, paving the way for Ishan Kishan to occupy the No. 3 position. Kishan enters the series after strong performances in domestic cricket, the IPL and India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign in 2026.
Rohit Sharma is fit and expected to open alongside captain Shubman Gill, while Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to replace the injured Hardik Pandya in the XI.
One of Prince Yadav or Gurnoor Brar is also expected to make an ODI debut.
Probable India XI:
Shubman Gill (capt), Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav/Gurnoor Brar
Afghanistan Monitor Nabi’s Fitness
Fast bowler Mohammad Saleem earned a place in the ODI squad after impressing in the lone Test between the two sides in New Chandigarh.
Depending on pitch conditions and team balance, he could either replace Bilal Sami as the additional specialist quick alongside Omarzai or come in for one of the spin options.
Meanwhile, experienced allrounder Mohammad Nabi remains doubtful due to illness.
Probable Afghanistan XI:
Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rashid Khan, Mohammad Saleem, AM Ghazanfar, Ziaur Rahman
Key Statistics and Milestones
Historic ODI Series
This marks the first bilateral ODI series contested between India and Afghanistan.
Previously, the two teams have faced each other only in ODI World Cups and Asia Cups. India have won three of their four ODI meetings, while the remaining encounter ended in a tie.
Rashid Khan’s Record Against India
Rashid Khan has taken five wickets in three ODI matches against India. Following a strong IPL season, he is expected to play a central role in Afghanistan’s challenge.
Personal Landmarks in Sight
- Shreyas Iyer requires 23 more runs to reach 3,000 ODI runs.
- Shubman Gill is 47 runs away from the same milestone.
Pitch and Conditions in Dharamsala
The upcoming match will be the first bilateral ODI staged in Dharamsala since 2017.
Fast bowlers are expected to receive assistance through swing with the new ball, though the venue has generally been favourable for batting.
Historically, teams chasing have won five ODIs at the ground, while teams batting first have secured four victories.
The most recent ODI at the venue took place during the 2023 World Cup, when Australia posted 388 runs before New Zealand narrowly fell short by five runs in a high-scoring contest.
Conclusion
The inaugural bilateral ODI series between India and Afghanistan offers both teams an important opportunity to assess their strengths ahead of future global tournaments. India will focus on evaluating emerging talent and restoring confidence, while Afghanistan aim to translate their recent progress into a landmark result against a side they have yet to defeat in ODI cricket.
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