Key facts
- India and Afghanistan are playing their first-ever ODI series, starting June 13 in Dharamsala.
- The series is part of India's preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya are unavailable for India due to injuries.
- The pitch at Dharamsala is expected to assist fast bowlers, with rain also a possibility.
- India has a historical advantage, being unbeaten against Afghanistan in ODIs.
India is set to commence its first-ever One Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan in Dharamsala today, marking the beginning of their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, enters the series with confidence following a decisive victory in the recent one-off Test against the same opponent.
However, India will be without key players Virat Kohli, who is nursing a hamstring injury, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is dealing with a leg sprain. Their absence provides an opportunity for emerging players to establish themselves in the ODI squad.
The series opener is scheduled for June 13 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, with the toss at 1:00 PM IST and the match commencing at 1:30 PM IST. Subsequent matches will be held in Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20. The series will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network and available for live streaming on JioStar, with live scores and commentary also accessible online.
The pitch at Dharamsala's HPCA Stadium is known to favor fast bowlers, especially with the new ball, offering seam movement and bounce. However, batting conditions are expected to improve as the game progresses. Weather is a potential concern, with cloudy skies and a 55% chance of light rain forecast, which could lead to interruptions. Temperatures are expected to range between 12°C and 18°C.
Historically, India has a strong record against Afghanistan in ODIs, remaining undefeated. Despite the absence of Kohli and Pandya, India is considered the favorite due to the presence of experienced players like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav. Afghanistan possesses formidable players such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Azmatullah Omarzai, who could challenge India, especially if conditions favor spin bowling. The match is predicted to be competitive, with India favored to win the opener.