After dispatching Afghanistan inside three days of the one-off Test, India now switch their attention to a three-match ODI series that could prove more significant than it first appears.
The visitors may not have enjoyed much success against India in the 50-over format, but for the hosts, these games represent valuable opportunities in a World Cup cycle that is surprisingly short on ODI cricket. With next year’s World Cup firmly in sight, every match and every performance carries weight.
The most notable absentee is Virat Kohli. His absence leaves a sizeable hole in India’s batting order, but it also creates opportunities for others to strengthen their case. The presence of Rohit Sharma, however, ensures there will be no shortage of interest. The Indian captain is already looking ahead to the World Cup, but unlike previous years, his place in the side cannot simply be taken for granted.
Rohit endured a disappointing IPL campaign and enters this series short of runs. While his experience and pedigree remain beyond question, India are entering a phase where younger players are increasingly knocking on the door. Strong performances over the coming months will help reinforce his importance to the side.
One player who could benefit from Kohli’s absence is Ishan Kishan. Expected to bat at number three, Kishan has a chance to show selectors that he can be more than just a reserve option. Runs against Afghanistan may not guarantee a World Cup berth, but they would certainly keep him firmly in the conversation.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is another batter generating interest. However, as a specialist opener, he appears less likely to be used in the number-three role. India may prefer to keep his development straightforward rather than ask him to adapt to an unfamiliar position.
The all-rounder’s slot is another area worth monitoring. With Hardik Pandya unavailable through injury, Nitish Reddy receives another opportunity to impress. At present, he remains behind Pandya in the pecking order, but India are also thinking beyond next year. Consistent performances could help establish him as a genuine long-term option heading towards the 2027 World Cup.
There is also the possibility of Harsh Dubey making his ODI debut. Having narrowly missed out on a Test debut in New Chandigarh, the left-arm spinning allrounder could come into contention if India decide to rotate their resources and rest either Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav during the series.
Plenty of attention will also be directed towards Shreyas Iyer, India’s newly-appointed T20I captain. While this is an ODI series, leadership responsibilities inevitably bring added scrutiny.
India do not have the luxury of a lengthy ODI build-up before the World Cup. That makes these matches more than a routine bilateral assignment. For fringe players, they are opportunities to force their way into contention. For established stars, they are chances to remind everyone why they remain indispensable.
