India Begin ODI World Cup Preparations Against Afghanistan in Dharamsala
India host Afghanistan in the first match of a three-match ODI series at Dharamsala on June 13, 2026, marking India's first ODI assignment since winning the T20 World Cup. The series comes amid injury concerns for India, with Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya absent, opening the door for uncapped seamers Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav. With the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa just over a year away, both teams view the series as a key checkpoint in their preparations.
India face Afghanistan in a historic first-ever bilateral ODI series, beginning in Dharamsala, as both sides look to sharpen their 50-over credentials ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. India's squad is depleted by injuries and workload management, with Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya unavailable, leaving questions around the No. 3 batting position and the pace attack's composition. Bowling coach Morne Morkel indicated the No. 3 slot could be filled by Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, or Yashasvi Jaiswal, while uncapped seamers Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav are expected to receive opportunities. The series also follows a rare home ODI series defeat for India against New Zealand, their third loss of this World Cup cycle. Afghanistan arrive in strong form, having won five of six ODI series in the current cycle, including a notable victory over South Africa in the UAE. Dharamsala's pace-friendly conditions are considered among the closest in the subcontinent to what both teams will encounter in South Africa, adding extra significance to the fixture. Rain is forecast around match day, which could further assist the fast bowlers and make the toss a critical factor.
What's missing
No information is provided on broadcast or streaming details for the series, nor on the specific nature of Virat Kohli's injury or expected recovery timeline.
What different sources said
- CricbuzzCenter
India's ODI road resumes with Afghanistan challenge
- CricbuzzCenter
India's ODI road resumes with Afghanistan challenge
- ESPNcricinfoCenter
India face test of depth in first-ever ODI series against Afghanistan
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