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Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma (Source: X)
The first ODI between India and Afghanistan at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala was delayed due to rain. With the contest reduced to 25 overs per side, India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl first on Saturday.
Afghanistan's batting was backed by a brilliant innings from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, but one particular moment involving Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill quickly became a talking point of the IND vs AFG 1st ODI.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz Guides Afghanistan's Recovery
Afghanistan found themselves in deep trouble early in their innings after India’s bowlers made an excellent start. Debutant Gurnoor Brar struck in his very first over, removing Ibrahim Zadran for just one run.
Arshdeep Singh then dismissed Sediqullah Atal for a duck and sent Rahmat Shah back for only three runs.
At 25/3, Afghanistan appeared headed for a major collapse. However, wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz had other ideas. He counterattacked the Indian bowlers and rebuilt the innings.
He mixed caution with attacking strokes and brought up a valuable century to keep Afghanistan in the contest. However, he had a tense moment when Harsh Dubey challenged him.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Breaks Massive India Record As He Steps In For IND vs AFG 1st ODI 2026
Rohit Sharma's DRS Persuasion Ends In Embarrassment
During the 12th over of Afghanistan’s innings, Washington Sundar delivered a ball that struck Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the pad as the batter attempted an aggressive shot.
Sundar and wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan immediately appealed for an LBW, but the umpire was not convinced.
Ishan Kishan appeared confident and encouraged the Indian team to review the decision. Despite some hesitation from Sundar, captain Shubman Gill eventually decided to take the DRS under Rohit Sharma's influence.
As the review unfolded, replays confirmed there was no edge. However, ball tracking showed that the delivery was turning down the leg side and would have missed the stumps.
The cameras quickly focused on Rohit Sharma, who was seen smiling in embarrassment after the unsuccessful review.
In a light-hearted moment, Rohit appeared to chase Gill playfully before sharing a laugh with the rest of the team.
Watch the video:
India Begin ODI World Cup 2027 Preparations With New Faces
It is important to note that, with this India vs Afghanistan ODI series, the ‘Men in Blue’ have begun their long-term planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Speaking at the toss, Shubman Gill revealed that the management wanted to assess the team’s bench strength. As a result, India handed ODI debuts to spinner Harsh Dubey and pacer Gurnoor Brar.
Also Read: “Gurnoor Brar Got Speed” Netizens Hail India Fast Bowler For Fiery Debut Vs AFG
India were also forced into a change after Virat Kohli was ruled out due to injury, with Ishan Kishan coming into the playing XI. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Prince Yadav missed out.
Follow IND vs AFG 1st ODI Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Octane Clash.
.jpg?type=mq "When Harsh Dubey Carried India On His Shoulders")
