Rohit’s fitness, Virat’s replacement: Morkel explains India’s plans for Afghanistan ODIs
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has ruled out fears of any lingering injury as Rohit Sharma prepares to return to action. three-match ODI series against Afghanistanwhich begins on June 13 in Dharamsala. The former fast bowler also hinted that India will use the series to give their in-form batsmen an opportunity, with as many as three players potentially getting a chance to fill Virat Kohli’s No.3 spot over the course of the series.
India will begin the final phase of their 18-month preparations for the ODI World Cup, which is is likely to take place between October 1st and November 21st in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The team will head into the series without some of its biggest names, including the rested Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli, who were injured during the IPL final.
There were also concerns about Rohit Sharma’s availability after he struggled with a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 season while featuring in a few matches for Mumbai Indians as an Impact Player. However, Rohit cleared the BCCI fitness tests in time and joined the team.
Fresh concerns were raised when, according to reporters, the Mohali-trained star batsman was wearing slightly different-looking thigh pads, which appeared to provide extra protection in the injured hamstring area. However, Morkel dismissed any such concerns, insisting the 38-year-old is fit and ready to go.
Incidentally, Rohit was among the first players to head out for batting practice on the eve of the first ODI at the scenic HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
“I didn’t even notice that,” Morkel said when asked about the thigh pad.
“It just goes to show that I don’t think there’s a problem. He’s passed all his fitness tests. He’s cleared and ready to go. Obviously the balls are coming in at a high rate and you want to protect yourself even if there’s a bit of a twitch. But I can assure you there’s nothing wrong. Rohit is moving well and training well. So excited to see him go,” he said.
“It’s always nice to have his experience coming back as well. Just the calmness he brings to the dressing room is always positive. He trains well, he moves well. So I know he’s excited to be going as well,” he added.
WHO WILL BURNT IN KOHLI’S PLACE
Meanwhile, Morkel hinted that Virat Kohli’s vacant No.3 slot could become something of a revolving door for Yashasvi Jaiswal to replace the former skipper in the team, as well as KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan.
Incidentally, Kishan donned the gloves during practice on the eve of the first ODI, while KL Rahul, who usually bats at No.5, may have been promoted up the order.
With Shreyas Iyer, the vice-captain of the ODI side, also in the mix, the Indian batting unit looks more than capable despite Kohli’s absence.
“As for the number three slot, that’s something we’ll be playing with in this series. Even if it’s Ishan or KL or Yashasvi, it’s a nice opportunity now. We’ve got a few one-dayers coming up and we’ll give guys a chance in different slots.
“Just to get a better idea of how we can go and structure the team and have different options,” the former South African pacer said.
India will also have Nitish Kumar Reddy in the lower middle order, with the all-rounder expected to help fill the void left by Hardik Pandya, who was ruled out of the ODI series due to injury.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
12 Jun 2026 20:05 IST