India announced their highly anticipated squads for the upcoming Test and ODI series against Afghanistan on Tuesday. Hardik Pandya returned to the ODI setup, while three uncapped players, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey, received their maiden call-up.
The BCCI selection panel was expected to make some major changes to the ODI squad after a series loss against New Zealand at home in January. As expected, the former captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were selected in the 15-member squad led by Shubman Gill, hinting at the duo's confirmation for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
Hardik Pandya's return boosts India's lower-middle order, but without Jasprit Bumrah, fans can expect some changes to the bowling attack in India's preferred playing XI for ODIs against Afghanistan.
Hardik Pandya to return to No. 6 position in India ODI XI
Rohit Sharma's inclusion is clearance to fitness as the veteran opener is only playing as an impact player in the recent games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2026. If Rohit remains fit, he is expected to open with Gill in all three ODIs against Afghanistan, followed by in-form Virat Kohli at No. 3.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are likely to entertain at Nos. 4 and 5, swapping positions according to the situation. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja played at No. 6 in the last ODI series against New Zealand, but Hardik Pandya is likely to be preferred in this position if he stays fit.
At No. 7, Nitish is likely to get a nod after his strong performances in the IPL 2026 with both bat and ball. With Harshit Rana out injured, the management is likely to prefer a spin all-rounder at No. 8. Washington Sundar, who has been brilliant with the bat at Gujarat Titans, is likely to fight with uncapped Harsh Dubey.
With Ravindra Jadeja dropped after a series of poor performances in ODIs, Kuldeep Yadav is India's leading spin option in the Afghanistan series. Arshdeep Singh is expected to lead the two-man pace attack, with in-form Prince Yadav getting a nod ahead of Prasidh Krishna and uncapped Gurnoor Brar.
India ODI squad against Afghanistan:
Shubman Gill (c), Shreyas Iyer (vc), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey
India's strongest playing XI in ODIs vs Afghanistan:
Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyass Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey/Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav
