India’s depth takes centrestage as Afghanistan fight to avoid whitewash in series finale

India’s Dominance: Depth Takes Centrestage

The three-match One Day International series against Afghanistan has served as a profound test of India’s squad depth, especially in the absence of seasoned stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya. With the series already wrapped up with a game to spare, India has aced this challenge, showcasing an impressive array of talent that has seamlessly stepped into crucial roles. The performances have been nothing short of spectacular, highlighting the robust pipeline of Indian cricket.

One of the standout performers has been Ishan Kishan, who effortlessly rediscovered his rhythm in the ODI setup. His blistering 125 off just 79 balls in the sweltering heat of Lucknow on Wednesday was a testament to his explosive batting and ability to dominate under pressure. Another revelation has been the lanky fast bowler Gurnoor Brar, whose selection, initially based on raw potential over more experienced domestic players, has been thoroughly vindicated. Brar has consistently delivered, claiming a chart-topping six wickets across the first two matches, proving his mettle at the international level.

The spin department has also seen fresh faces making their mark. Left-arm fingerspinner Harsh Dubey made a commendable debut in the rain-affected 25-over contest in Dharamsala, contributing significantly to India’s efforts. Prince Yadav, despite an early setback of a front-foot no-ball denying him Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s wicket in Lucknow, showcased resilience and played a vital role in securing the series for India. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill continues his purple patch with the bat, following an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls as an opener in the first ODI with a magnificent 154 off 110 balls from the No. 3 position in the second game. These are ominous signs for Afghanistan, especially with the Indian captain expressing a keen desire to bat deeper into the innings and accumulate more runs. The hosts are now poised to complete a resounding 3-0 sweep unless a miraculous intervention from star players like Gurbaz or Rashid Khan can turn the tide.

In stark contrast, Afghanistan’s batting lineup has appeared fragile, a vulnerability exacerbated by the absence of key players. Mohammad Nabi, a vital cog in their middle order, missed the second ODI due to a viral infection, further exposing their frailties. A look at the statistics since the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup paints a grim picture: Afghanistan holds the second-worst run rate among the top-ten teams in the ICC’s current rankings, trailing only Bangladesh, and the third-worst batting average. This highlights a significant area of concern that they must address to compete effectively against top-tier nations.

Form Guide and Team Dynamics

Examining the recent performances of both teams provides a clearer context for their current standing in the series.

India: WWLLW (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
Afghanistan: LLWWW

India’s recent form, marked by consecutive wins in this series, underscores their momentum and confidence. Afghanistan, despite some wins prior to this series, has struggled to translate that form against a formidable Indian side.

Team News: Experimentation on the Cards for India

With the series firmly in their grasp, India’s management is likely to embrace an experimental approach for the third ODI in Chennai. Seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who missed the Lucknow ODI due to a sore thigh, showed no discomfort while bowling in the Chepauk nets on Friday, signaling his probable return to action. This offers India an opportunity to assess his form and fitness ahead of future assignments. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who fell cheaply in the second ODI, could be given another chance to prove his capabilities in the 50-over format, an invaluable opportunity to solidify his position in the squad. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed the team’s inclination towards experimenting with their combination, aiming to provide exposure and test various player roles.

Harshit Rana, having recovered from knee surgery, has been added to the squad for the third ODI. However, India is expected to exercise caution and avoid rushing him back into top-flight cricket, especially given his last international appearance was in February earlier this year. The team might also face a strategic choice in their spin attack, deciding between the left-arm fingerspin of Harsh Dubey, who impressed on debut, and the left-arm wristspin of the more experienced Kuldeep Yadav. This decision could depend on the pitch conditions and the tactical approach against Afghanistan’s batsmen.

India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Shubman Gill (capt), 4 Ishan Kishan (wk), 5 Shreyas Iyer/KL Rahul, 6 Washington Sundar, 7 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 8 Kuldeep Yadav/Harsh Dubey, 9 Gurnoor Brar, 10 & 11 Two among Prince Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana

On the Afghanistan front, there is hope for the return of key players. If Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai have fully recovered from illness and injury respectively, they are expected to slot straight back into Afghanistan’s playing XI. John Mooney, the Afghanistan fielding coach, indicated that both players are being closely monitored and are nearing a return to action. The visitors, however, opted not to train at Chepauk on the eve of the game, perhaps focusing on rest and recovery. Their inclusion would undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost to both their batting and bowling departments.

Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Sediqullah Atal, 4 Rahmat Shah, 5 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 6 Mohammad Nabi/Darwish Rasooli, 7 Azmatullah Omarzai/Bilal Sami, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Nangeyala Kharoti, 10 AM Ghazanfar, 11 Mohammad Saleem

Player Spotlight: Jaiswal’s Opportunity, Rashid’s Challenge

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s talent is undeniable, and in almost any other white-ball international team, he would be an automatic choice at the top of the order. However, India’s embarrassment of riches in batting options means that even a player of Jaiswal’s caliber can find himself on the sidelines. His previous unbeaten 116 against a formidable South African attack featuring Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Keshav Maharaj in Vizag last December highlighted his immense potential and ability to perform against top-class opposition. The upcoming fixture in Chennai presents another crucial opportunity for him to stake his claim and remain firmly in the selection frame as the team looks towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. A significant knock here could reinforce his credentials and make him harder to ignore.

Rashid Khan

In a recent IPL season that proved challenging for spinners, Rashid Khan once again defied expectations, emerging as a singular force for Gujarat Titans. He was the only spinner to feature among the top-ten wicket-takers in the 2026 season, a testament to his unparalleled skill and consistency. Even on a flat track in Lucknow, where India amassed a colossal 402 runs, Rashid managed to hold his own, showcasing his ability to pick up wickets and contain runs. However, for Afghanistan to have any chance of avoiding a whitewash, they will require an even more extraordinary performance from their spin wizard. With rookie spinner AM Ghazanfar still finding his rhythm in the series, the pressure on Rashid to deliver both with the ball and potentially with the bat is immense. His leadership and game-changing abilities will be crucial if Afghanistan hopes to salvage any pride.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The third ODI is scheduled to be played on pitch number 4 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), a red-soil surface that is typically known for offering substantial bounce. This characteristic could prove beneficial for fast bowlers who can extract steep bounce and challenging for batsmen who are not accustomed to the extra lift. While Chennai experienced some showers two days prior to the match, the weather on the eve of the game was clear and bright. However, another hot and humid afternoon is anticipated, similar to the conditions in Lucknow. Such weather could necessitate multiple drinks breaks during the match, thoroughly testing the fitness and endurance of the players on both sides. The heat and humidity could also play a role in the effectiveness of spin bowling and the overall pace of the game.

Key Statistics and Trivia

• Gurnoor Brar has made a remarkable start to his ODI career, becoming only the second Indian bowler after Piyush Chawla to claim three or more wickets in each of his first two men’s ODIs. Chawla, in fact, achieved this feat in his first three ODIs, setting a high bar for debutant bowlers.
• Ishan Kishan’s aggressive style of play is reflected in his impressive ODI strike rate of 107.69 after 29 games. This places him as the third-highest among Indian batsmen in terms of strike rate, trailing only the explosive Yusuf Pathan (113.60) and Hardik Pandya (110.89), underscoring his quick scoring ability.
• Afghanistan has faced India six times in ODI cricket to date. Their best result against the Men in Blue remains a memorable tie achieved in Dubai during the 2018 Asia Cup, a match that showcased their fighting spirit against a top-ranked side.

Pre-Match Quotes

Emerging talent Gurnoor Brar reflected on his journey to the senior side: “The India A set-up is obviously a big thing for me. If we perform in the Ranji Trophy, we get picked for India A, Duleep Trophy or the Irani Cup. When I got the call-up for India A, I was very happy.”

Afghanistan fielding coach John Mooney addressed the team’s struggles across the board: “From a bowling point of view, we’ve bowled too many boundary balls, so we need to figure out what the right length is. In the last game, it was really poor bowling at times and quality players will put it away. We also lost wickets in pairs and didn’t have partnerships.”