![India strongest XI for Afghanistan ODIs [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779362595925_IndiastrongestXIforAfghanistanODIs.jpg?type=hq)
India strongest XI for Afghanistan ODIs [Source: AFP]
The stage is set for India’s ODI series against the touring Afghanistan side as the 3-game series provides both teams ample opportunities to test their best possible combination ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The hosts have named a strong squad for the Afghanistan matches, with all the big names included in the team.
The likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya are all picked as the Indian management is looking to provide the best preparation for its players.
Proven domestic performers are also picked in the team, with some exciting young talents set to grace the international ODI stage. Ahead of the riveting ODI matches, we take a look at India’s strongest XI for the Afghanistan series.
India likely playing XI for ODIs vs Afghanistan
Openers and top order: Shubman Gill(c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli
In captain Shubman Gill and veteran Rohit Sharma, India has a formidable and winning opening combination that could take on the best in the business. The duo have witnessed immense success together, and once again they’ll take the field to torment the Afghan attack.
The only problem is Rohit Sharma is not at his best due to the hamstring injury he suffered in the IPL 2026. He has been included in the ODI side (subject to fitness), and if the batter is unable to get back to his best, there is Ishan Kishan waiting in the wings.
However, if fit and raring to go, there is nobody who can snatch Rohit Sharma’s opening slot from him. On the other hand, India has arguably the greatest ODI batter (Virat Kohli) at number 3. The Delhi cricketer has revived his playing style with an aggressive template, and will hold the key in the three-game series.
Middle order and all-rounders: Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar
If India’s top order is strong, then the middle-order is not far behind with the presence of Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya. Iyer has become India’s mainstay at number 4, while there is nobody who can play the role that KL Rahul does at number 5 for India.
Hardik Pandya’s fitness is still a concern, but India should give him more chances in the ODIs. His all-round skills could be crucial for the Men in Blue at the 2027 World Cup.
The Gautam Gambhir-led management has trusted Washington Sundar in the ODI scheme of things, and if all goes well, the all-rounder will play as a finisher alongside Hardik Pandya against the Afghans. India's strongest XI has experienced and quality batters.
Also Read: India vs Afghanistan Squad Announced- Full List Of Common Players In ODIs And Test
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Prasidh Krishna
Kuldeep Yadav, who has been out of his IPL side (Delhi Capitals) will be the second spinner in the side. In the ODIs, Kuldeep still remains a force for the Indian team, and he’ll be the key wicket-taker in the middle-overs.
With no Bumrah in the lineup, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna are the two most experienced pacers, and at least for the first ODI, they’ll play together.
The third pacer spot can go to Prince Yadav, who has a List-A average of 20.31, and will come in handy with his raw pace and deceptive bounce.
The matches are likely to be played on flat wickets, and India needs an X-factor on such wickets; Prince can be that bowler in his debut series, as India's strongest bowling attack comprises of three pacers and a quality spinner in Kuldeep.
India strongest XI for ODIs vs Afghanistan
Shubman Gill(c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(wk), Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Prasidh Krishna
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