Top 5 players to watch out for in the India vs Afghanistan first ODI
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The three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan is set to begin on June 13, with the first match taking place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. This will be the first-ever ODI series played between these two teams; previously, they have only faced each other in the ODI format during the World Cup and the Asia Cup.
On paper, the Indian team appears to hold the upper hand, but the Afghanistan team has significantly improved its standards over the past few years. Both teams possess outstanding experienced players capable of turning the match around single-handedly. Consequently, this promises to be a memorable ODI series that fans will thoroughly enjoy. While India boasts experienced batters like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan, Afghanistan also fields batters such as Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rahmat Shah—all of whom have been playing ODI cricket for a considerable time. The bowling attacks for both teams are relatively new, and the onus of the series will rest on the young bowlers. However, both teams have opted for experienced spinners in their spin departments; Kuldeep Yadav will spearhead the spin attack for India, while Rashid Khan will handle the duties for Afghanistan.
Today, in this blog, we’re going to take a look at the top 5 players to watch out for in the India vs Afghanistan first ODI match.
1. Rohit Sharma (India)
Indian fans are incredibly excited about this series, as Rohit Sharma is set to take the field. ODI cricket is his favourite format, and this series marks the beginning of his quest to fulfil an unfinished dream. Consequently, fans will be hoping for a big innings from him. When India last played an ODI against Afghanistan, 'Hitman' scored a century to lead the team to victory, and he could well repeat that feat in this match.
2. Prince Yadav (India)
The Indian team might hand Prince Yadav his debut in the first ODI. Prince Yadav, who impressed everyone with his bowling in IPL 2026, could find the Dharamsala pitch—known to favour fast bowlers—to his liking. Although the LSG team struggled in IPL 2026, Prince Yadav proved his mettle by claiming 16 wickets, demonstrating his skill and capability. He will be keen to carry his IPL form into this upcoming series.
3. Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
While the Afghanistan squad boasts batters like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Ali Khil, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mohammad Nabi, Ibrahim Zadran has emerged as their best ODI batter over the last few years. He has adapted brilliantly to the ODI format, opening the batting and scoring 1,869 runs in 38 innings at an impressive average of 53.40, including six centuries and nine half-centuries. Once again, the responsibility for giving Afghanistan a solid start will rest on his shoulders.
4. Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan's star all-rounder, Azmatullah Omarzai, is currently the number one all-rounder in the ICC ODI ranking, with no other all-rounder even coming close to him. He not only plays valuable innings for Afghanistan during the middle overs but is also adept at taking wickets by utilising variations in his bowling. His ability to bowl effectively across the opening, middle, and death overs gives him an edge over other players. On Indian soil, he has scored 353 runs in 8 ODI innings at an average of 70.60, including three half-centuries, while also claiming 7 wickets. He could well emerge as Afghanistan's standout player in this series.
5. Nitish Kumar Reddy (India)
Nitish Kumar Reddy is set to play the same role for India that Azmatullah Omarzai plays for Afghanistan. With Hardik Pandya ruled out of the series due to injury, young Nitish Kumar Reddy will have to step up as the senior all-rounder. He has played four ODIs for India so far, scoring 100 runs—including one half-century—though he is still awaiting his first ODI wicket. His bowling requires further improvement. While the team management views him as a backup to Hardik Pandya, he has yet to make a significant impact with the ball. He will certainly aim to deliver stellar performances across all three departments in this series to stake his claim for a spot in the 2027 World Cup squad.
