India opens a three-game ODI series against Afghanistan this Saturday, June 13, under captain Shubman Gill at the HPCA ground in Dharamshala – launching early groundwork toward the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Out front at home, the team lines up as clear top picks after crushing Afghanistan in that single Test game. Still, Afghanistan carries a belief built on strong showings in shorter formats lately, ready to test the locals when they meet again.

India vs Afghanistan: Rain Delays Toss in Dharamshala

Out past one, the sky was still pouring over Dharamshala, the coin flip for the first ODI pushed back without warning.

Heavy clouds held on, stopping players from stepping in.

The match slowed to a halt while umpires watched the clouds gather above the mountain-framed ground. Quietly settled among spectators, their hopes tied to shifting winds instead of boundaries or wickets. Rain held its breath – then returned without warning. The game slipped further into uncertainty, each passing minute stretching longer than the last.

Afghanistan Eye ODI Revival

Few gave them a chance in the Test last week, yet things might look different when they face off again in the one-day game.

The visitors struggled then, but could push harder this time around under changed skies. Not everything went their way before now, circumstances shift slightly towards balance.

With Hashmatullah Shahidi steering things, Afghanistan’s lineup mixes fire and steadiness – think Rahmanullah Gurbaz charging at the top, Ibrahim Zadran anchoring calmly. On come moments where veterans like Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan shift the game quietly but surely. They’ve poked giants before under lights, found ways through tough sides.

That edge lingers now, waiting again.

India Begins New ODI Era, Under Shubman Gill

A fresh phase begins for India, led by skipper Shubman Gill. This series marks its beginning.

Besides the captain’s youth, he’ll work with veterans and new faces alike. Standing tall among them are senior players like Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, anchors in tough moments. Then come sparks such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy, quick to ignite pace and boldness when needed.

Bowling for India, Kuldeep Yadav leads a group that includes Arshdeep Singh, along with Prasidh Krishna, hoping the Dharamshala pitch works in their favour.

While the terrain there often shifts fast, these three aim to stay sharp when it matters most.

Playing XIs Awaited

India Squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav.

Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Darwish Rasooli, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.