The three-ODI series between India and Afghanistan will begin on June 14.
India and Afghanistan will play a three-ODI series after the one-off Test that begins on June 6 in New Chandigarh. This series will also mark the likely return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the Indian team, given they only play the 50-over format in international cricket.
The first ODI will be played on June 14 in Dharamshala, the second ODI on June 17 in Lucknow, and the third ODI in Chennai on June 20.
However, reports have stated that Virat Kohli might give the ODI series a miss as he is dealing with a hamstring injury. This injury happened to Virat Kohli during the recent IPL 2026 final, in which Kohli helped the Royal Challengers Bengaluru win their second successive IPL title.
As per a Times of India report, Kohli is holidaying in Europe after winning the IPL. Kohli had made 675 runs in IPL 2026, with one century and five fifties. He had to bat in the final for RCB after taping his hamstring and had trouble running between the wickets.
Coming to Rohit Sharma, he is yet to report to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) for a fitness assessment and clearance, leaving his availability in doubt. Rohit and Hardik Pandya were called up to the squad pending fitness clearance, and although the all-rounder has arrived, the former skipper has yet to arrive in Bengaluru.
It is worth noting that the men's senior selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, had considered resting the two veterans for the three matches, but a last-minute change of heart led to their inclusion.
The selectors and team management had advised putting Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order alongside Shubman Gill, but Rohit retained his place.
Interestingly, both players are struggling with hamstring injuries, which could free up two spots in the team. With Virat almost certainly out and Rohit still awaiting clearance, Jaiswal might be a late addition to the squad, and the selectors may also consider including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal, or Tilak Varma in the middle-order mix.
A decision is expected in the coming days, as senior decision-makers will gather on June 6 to select squads for the upcoming white-ball tours of Ireland and England.
(Times of India report)