Ishan Kishan Back: Possible Bold Changes In India ODI Squad Vs Afghanistan

Ishan Kishan is likely to make his ODI comeback [Source: AFP]

The IPL 2026 is nearing its final stages and will wrap up by May 31. After the tournament, attention will turn to India’s next international series, starting with a visit from the Afghanistan team.

The one-off Test match will take place first, followed by the ODIs, as the two sides will collide in a riveting series. 

India’s form in the ODIs have taken a hit after their Champions Trophy win in 2025. The side lost the ODI series against Australia and also suffered a beating against the touring New Zealand team last time around.

As a result, several changes could be expected in the ODI setup for the Afghanistan series. With the 2027 World Cup in sight, proven domestic performers could be given a chance against the Afghan side, and here is a list of players who could be picked in the ODI squad for the Afghanistan games.

1) Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal, the Karnataka batter, deserves a chance to be part of the India ODI squad. A proven performer in the domestic circuit, Padikkal has been knocking on the selectors’ doors, and the management could give him his breakthrough against the Afghan side.

He has been one of the most consistent performers in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (India’s List-A tournament), and the stats reveal the real story.

(Padikkal stats in VHT 2025-26)

• 725 runs in just nine VHT games, with an average of 90 define Devdutt Padikkal’s journey in the tournament. He finished as the second-highest run-getter, and also slammed four centuries and two fifties.
• He had an outstanding campaign in 2024 as well, and the southpaw could be used as an opener in the team. With Rohit Sharma not one hundred percent due to a hamstring injury, Padikkal could be slotted in as an opener alongside team captain, Shubman Gill.

2) Ishan Kishan

A few days ago, it was reported that India is looking to add another wicket-keeper in their squad for the Afghanistan tour, and Ishan Kishan is the front-runner for that post.

The batter had a brilliant domestic campaign, and he was called up for the T20 World Cup 2026, wherein he played a key role in India’s triumph.

Ishan Kishan brings an aggressive mindset in the middle-order, and he perfectly suits the role of a dasher who takes on the spinners in the middle-overs. KL Rahul is the first-choice keeper, but India is keen to add Kishan in the scheme of things.

In fact, Kishan has a stellar ODI record, with 933 runs in 27 matches, with an average of 42, and a double hundred to his name.

Also Read: India vs Afghanistan Test Squad- RCB Batter Called Back To Take Number 3 Spot

3) Prince Yadav

The find of the IPL 2026, Prince Yadav has raw pace and has the ability to bamboozle the best in the business, and his delivery to dismiss Virat Kohli is a prime example of his ability.

Not only in the IPL, but Prince also showcased his talent in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, and here is how he performed in the marquee tournament.

(Prince Yadav stats in VHT 2025-26)

• Prince finished as the fifth highest wicket-taker with 18 scalps, and had an average of 19, and an economy of less than 6 in the competition.
• The World Cup 2027 will be played in bouncy South African wickets, and India needs someone who can bowl at raw pace to trouble the batters. Prince is the answer for that query, and he should be brought into the ODI setup for the Afghanistan series.

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