Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma batting together in Ranchi. Image Credits- AFP
In a developing news, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to alter the schedule of the IND vs AFG Schedule 2026, which means the date for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's comeback in Indian colours has also changed.
The first ODI of the three-match series, originally scheduled for June 14 at Dharamsala, has been rescheduled.
The venue will remain the same, as the picture-esque stadium will host the first-ever three-ODI bilateral series between India and Afghanistan.
BCCI comprises IND vs AFG ODI for IND women
The BCCI has decided to prepone the first ODI of the IND vs AFG 2026 by a day from June 14, as the day will also feature an Indo-Pak fixture in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup. India women will take on archrivals Pakistan in the marquee event in Birmingham.
It is a key step taken by the Indian board, which has been a proud promoter of the women’s sport.
"The first ODI has been rescheduled and will now be played on June 13, 2026," the BCCI said through a press release.
As a result, the Dharamsala ODI between India and Afghanistan will be played on June 13. The rest of IND vs AFG Schedule 2026 remains the same.
The multi-format series will kickstart with the one-off Test match at New Chandigarh, starting on June 6. Meanwhile, the ODI matches will be played between June 13 to June 20.
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Why ODIs have become fan-favourites again?
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who only feature for India in ODIs, are aiming to play the 2027 World Cup. However, with the age factor against the two legendary batters, each bilateral becomes extremely important for them, given that the selectors are reportedly keeping a microscope on their fitness and form.
Although Kohli has been in prolific form in this season of the IPL 2026, Rohit Sharma suffered a hamstring injury, which allegedly cost him a spot in the IND vs AFG ODI squad.
With little to very few ODIs scheduled in the year, each series will be treated as a spectacle by the Indian fans, considering the fandom of Kohli and Sharma.
Indian squad for ODIs vs AFG
The BCCI has named a strong ODI squad for the series vs Afghanistan with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli being the linchpins of the batting order. Shubman Gill, who was named the captain last year, has been reinstated as the leader of the IND vs AFG 2026 squad, while Shreyas Iyer will be his deputy.
The rest of the Indian batting remains the same, with just Ishan Kishan coming in for Rishabh Pant as a backup keeper.
However, the selectors have looked to experiment with the bowling attack. As many as three debutants, Harsh Dubey, Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar, have been named in the 15-member squad. Among the regulars, just Kuldeep Yadav has regained his spot.
IND vs AFG ODI squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma*, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya*, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey
Note: Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are selected but are subject to fitness clearance.
IND vs AFG 2026 Schedule
| Match | Venue | Date, Time |
| One-off Test | New Chandigarh | June 6, 9:30 AM |
| 1st ODI | Dharamsala | June 13, 1:30 PM |
| 2nd ODI | Lucknow | June 17, 1:30 PM |
| 3rd ODI | Chennai | June 20, 1:30 PM |
Conclusion: Arjun's Take
It is a bold yet progressive step taken by the BCCI. It showcases that the Indian board want to promote both their men's and women's teams equally. Prioritising a women's game by altering the schedule of a men's fixture is a move that will significantly advance the sport within the country.
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.jpg?type=mq "Mitchell Marsh Out")
