Will Rohit Sharma Play India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI?

Rohit Sharma, IND vs AFG ODI Series (Source: AFP)

Fresh off a commanding victory in the one-off Test against Afghanistan last week, India will turn their attention to the ODI format as they gear up to host the visitors in a three-match series, beginning on June 13. 

ODI holds special importance for the Indian Cricket fans, as it stands as the solitary format in which the star duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma plays. 

However, for the unversed, Kohli has already been ruled out of the IND vs AFG ODI series due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL final. 

Both Rohit and all-rounder Hardik Pandya were included in the initial white-ball squad but with an explicit asterisk next to their names. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made it clear that their participation hinges entirely on receiving formal medical clearance from the board's medical department. 

However, after Kohli, Hardik Pandya, who had received an initial nod, will also not be available for the three-match series due to a fresh leg injury. 

Thus, all eyes turn to whether former Indian Captain Rohit Sharma will play in the ODI vs Afghanistan or not. 

Is Rohit Sharma fit for IND vs AFG series? 

Notably, the veteran Indian opener checked into the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on 8 June to undergo mandatory fitness tests and rehabilitation. 

Rohit missed several fixtures in the IPL 2026 for Mumbai Indians due to a hamstring issue and was primarily utilised as an impact substitute in the latter half. 

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Days before the start of the IND vs AFG ODI series 2026, Sharma received the final nod to feature in the three-match series. 

Will Rohit Sharma play 1st India vs Afghanistan ODI? 

With just over a year left until the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, every 50-over fixture carries immense weight, and the battle for squad spots is intensifying as a new era under newly appointed ODI skipper Shubman Gill gets its second outing. 

Thus, ahead of the Afghanistan ODIs, the biggest concern hovers over Rohit Sharma’s fitness. According to a report by TOI, the day after getting a green signal from the Sports Science Team of BCCI, Sharma took the field in full swing. 

The Indian opener looked in fine tune during India’s optional training session at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium on Wednesday. 

While no official statement has been revealed yet, by the looks of it, Sharma looks in good touch. Thus, he will most likely play the 1st ODI against Afghanistan.

Interestingly, if he plays, Rohit will be 39 years and 44 days old when he turns out for Team India on Saturday in the first ODI against Afghanistan, and he will become the oldest cricketer to play for the country in the 50-over format in the last 52 years.

With the three-match series scheduled across Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai, the final verdict on Rohit will dictate how India shapes its top-order for Gill's 2nd assignment as the official ODI captain.

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