India will experiment with different players at the No. 3 batting position during the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed on Friday (June 12).

This tactical adjustment follows a hamstring injury sustained by regular No. 3 Virat Kohli during his match-winning knock of 75 for RCB in the IPL 2026 final on May 31.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been officially drafted into the squad as Kohli’s replacement. The southpaw provides a highly aggressive No. 3 option if the management chooses to shift him from his standard opening spot.

Addressing the media on the eve of the opening ODI in Dharamsala, Morkel suggested that India are likely to rotate between Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan during the Afghanistan series.

"In terms of that number three slot, that's something that in this series we'll play around with. Even if it's Ishan or KL or Yashasvi, it's a nice opportunity now. We've got a couple of one-day games coming up and we'll give guys opportunity in different slots.

"Just to give ourselves a better idea in terms of how we can go and structure the team and have different options," Morkel told reporters.

Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar are highly anticipated fast-bowling prospects pushing for their maiden international caps.

Morkel expressed immense satisfaction with how seamlessly they have integrated into the national setup during their training camp in New Chandigarh.

"My first impressions, it is sort of, almost like they've been part of the squad for five years. I saw no nervousness in their face. Although, I can imagine coming into the squad, they would be pretty nervous. But I think the way they've gone about their training, the energy they've trained with, was very, very nice and good to see.

"In terms of their skills, I can also see that they've done a lot of work on that. They're on the money, accurate. And that makes my life a little bit easier. Obviously, from here on, we'll develop their game and sort of have conversations of how we can play that middle phase and work our plays in the death," Morkel said.

"How we can do that better. But definitely, on first impressions, very happy with what we saw as a group," he added.

Morne Morkel hoped that India chief coach Gautam Gambhir will give them chance during the Afghanistan series.

"I'm pretty sure Gautam will give those guys an opportunity and see how they go in the Indian shirt. It's different playing for international cricket with an Indian badge. We're excited to have them."