India begin an ODI series against Afghanistan at Dharamsala in an unsettled spell, with just one win in their last five ODIs. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, the series is a chance to fix problems and build a more balanced side. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are rested, so a relatively inexperienced pace attack will need to step up, while Shubman Gill has an important role in setting the team’s batting approach.
Their possible XI features Rohit Sharma, Gill, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in the batting, with Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav in the bowling.
Afghanistan are unbeaten in their last five ODIs, although that counts for little once play starts. Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, they will want to prove themselves in Indian conditions, and a core of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan is a strong one. Cloud and light showers in the hills could help seamers early, and dew may favour chasing sides under lights.
