India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI: When and where to watch, squads and key updates

The Indian men’s cricket team will open their 2026–27 international season with a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan following the conclusion of the one-off Test between the two sides. The series is part of Afghanistan’s historic multi-format tour of India, which includes one Test match and three ODIs.

The tour began with the one-off Test at Mullanpur from June 6-10, which India won comprehensively as the focus now shifts to the 50-over format. The upcoming ODI series will be particularly significant as it is the first ever bilateral ODI series between India and Afghanistan, highlighting the growing stature of Afghanistan cricket on the international stage.

Afghanistan is led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi in both formats. The visitors have named a strong ODI squad that includes star spinner Rashid Khan, who was rested for the Test match. Rashid heads into the series in impressive form after taking 21 wickets for Gujarat Titans during the Indian Premier League 2026 season and is expected to play a key role in Afghanistan’s bowling attack.

Even without Rashid in the Test side, Afghanistan have fielded a competitive team with several experienced internationals. Alongside Shahidi, players like Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai provide quality and balance across the batting and all-round departments. Their performances will be crucial if Afghanistan are to challenge a strong Indian side in familiar conditions.

India, meanwhile, will be without several established names. Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah are unavailable for the series, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to miss the ODI leg due to leg strain. Both Pandya and Rohit Sharma were initially included in the ODI squad by the selectors, subject to receiving fitness clearance for their respective injuries.

While Rohit successfully recovered and joined the Indian squad in Mohali after the conclusion of the one-off Test, Pandya’s participation remains unlikely. Virat Kohli was replaced by Yashasvi Jaiswal due to a hamstring injury.

Despite these absences, India still have a formidable line-up led by captain Shubman Gill. The squad features veteran batsmen like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj and Yashasvi Jaiswal who offer a blend of experience and youth.

The series presents an important opportunity for India to test combinations and build momentum at the start of the new season, while Afghanistan will aim to make history in their first bilateral ODI series against the Men in Blue.

WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH 1. ODI

The India vs Afghanistan ODI series will be telecast live on Star Sports Network in India, with the first ODI scheduled to start on June 13 from 1:30 PM IST. Fans can also watch all the matches through live streaming on JioHotstar app and website.

ODI SQUADS

India: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer (VC), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Har Gurnoor Brar.

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharotai, Sharia Urhman Rasooli, AM Bilal Sami

– The end

Published on:

12 Jun 2026 15:57 IST