IND vs AFG: The Indian cricket team is set to kick off an ODI series against Afghanistan this Saturday. The series comprises three ODI matches, generating considerable excitement among players and fans alike. With the ICC ODI World Cup scheduled for 2027, these one-day matches will prove crucial for India.
A major question remains: will ‘Hitman’ rohit sharma and all-rounder hardik pandya play against Afghanistan? Both players have been named in the squad. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has made a significant statement regarding both players; details of his comments are provided below.
Coach Hints at Their Participation
Indian team batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has hinted that Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya might feature in the series. The first match of the three-game ODI series is scheduled for June 13 in Dharamshala. While the selectors have picked Rohit and Hardik for the squad, their names have been marked with an asterisk.
Both players must pass a fitness test. The BCCI has clarified that a final decision will be made only after assessing their fitness at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Rohit had missed a few matches during IPL 2026 due to a hamstring issue, while Hardik sat out games for the Mumbai Indians because of a back strain. However, both rejoined their teams before the season ended, and Rohit was declared fit.
Coach Kotak Remains Optimistic
After the Test victory against Afghanistan, coach Sitanshu Kotak said, “I don’t have full details regarding Hardik and Rohit’s fitness, but from what I’ve heard, both could be fit to play. Kotak’s statement makes it clear that the team management expects both players to participate. It has not yet been confirmed whether Rohit and Hardik have arrived in Bengaluru, though viral social media images suggest they have reached the location for their fitness tests. With just over a year remaining until the 2027 World Cup, neither senior player would want to miss an opportunity.
India’s ODI Squad
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey.
