Abhishek Nayar picks India’s playing XI for the first ODI against Afghanistan

Table of Contents

The first ODI between India and Afghanistan is set to be played on June 13 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. Shubman Gill will continue leading the Indian squad, while Afghanistan will rely on their formidable spin attack and explosive batting. India enter the series as strong favorites but will be missing their legendary player who was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

Former India cricketer and current analyst Abhishek Nayar has shared his preferred playing XI for the opening ODI, focusing on a balanced combination of youth, experience, and all-round depth. His selection highlights aggressive top-order intent and multiple bowling options suited for Dharamshala conditions.

Nayar’s XI begins with a dynamic and attacking top order. He has backed Gill and Rohit Sharma as the primary opening pair, combining consistency with world-class experience. Adding further firepower, Yashasvi Jaiswal is also included in the top order, giving India the flexibility to rotate roles depending on pitch conditions and match situation. This aggressive combination signals India’s intent to dominate the powerplay and put Afghanistan under immediate pressure.

The middle order in Nayar’s lineup is built around stability and adaptability. Shreyas Iyer is expected to anchor the innings, while KL Rahul provides versatility, capable of batting at multiple positions depending on the game situation. Adding to the balance is Hardik Pandya, who brings explosive finishing ability along with valuable seam bowling options. His presence ensures India maintain depth in both batting and bowling departments. This core is designed to handle both early wickets and high-pressure chases, offering India a flexible batting structure that can adapt to different match scenarios.

Also READ: Mohammed Siraj ruled out of Ireland and England T20Is; replacement announced

Nayar has emphasized spin and pace balance in his XI. Washington Sundar and Harsh Dubey provide spin variety and batting depth in the lower middle order. In the pace department, Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar are included to exploit early swing conditions in Dharamshala’s cooler climate. Their role will be crucial in breaking Afghanistan’s top order early. For the final bowling slot, Nayar has kept flexibility, suggesting either Kuldeep Yadav or an extra seamer depending on pitch behavior.

Abhishek Nayar’s India XI for the fist ODI: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Harsh Dubey, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav/extra seamer

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the first ODI is the absence of Virat Kohli, and fans are expected to feel his missing presence deeply. Known for his unmatched consistency, intensity, and ability to anchor innings under pressure, Kohli has been a central figure in India’s ODI success for over a decade. His absence due to a hamstring injury not only weakens India’s experienced core but also takes away a major crowd attraction, especially in a high-profile series like this. For many supporters, watching India play without Kohli in the playing XI feels incomplete, as his energy on the field and match-winning performances have often defined crucial moments in Indian cricket.

Also READ: Shreyas Iyer shares first reaction after being appointed as India’s new T20I captain