INDIA vs AFGHANISTAN 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma Eyes 37-Year-Old Record, Rashid Khan Returns as Afghanistan Hunt First Win | Full Preview
IND vs AFG 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma Eyes 37-Year-Old Record, Rashid Khan Returns as Afghanistan Hunt First Win
A riveting three-match ODI series is set to commence on Saturday, June 13, in Dharamsala, marking the start of India’s 2026-27 white-ball season and Afghanistan’s historic first bilateral ODI series against the Men in Blue. With a 37-year-old record on the line for Rohit Sharma and an elusive first victory against India in the sights for Afghanistan, the series opener promises to be a fascinating contest between a transitioning Indian unit and a battle-hardened Afghan side led by the spin wizard Rashid Khan. This preview covers everything: pitch report, predicted XIs, Rohit’s sensational record against Afghanistan, fantasy tips, key battles, expert reactions, and a reader poll.
The battle lines are drawn at Dharamsala: Rohit Sharma on the verge of history, Rashid Khan leading Afghanistan’s quest for a maiden win over India. (Photo: BCCI / ACB)
Match Details, Pitch Report & Conditions
The series opener will be played at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala, a venue known for its stunning backdrop and unique pitch conditions that favour fast bowlers early on. Due to the altitude, cool weather, and lush grass cover, fast bowlers find substantial swing and bounce early in the innings, making batting a challenge initially. However, once batters settle in, stroke play becomes significantly easier, and the ground has also witnessed many high-scoring matches.
The average first-innings score is expected to be between 280 and 300, with dew in the second innings making chasing the preferred option for the toss-winning side. Weather in Dharamsala on Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures around 22°C and only a 5% chance of rain — a full game is anticipated.
📌 Toss Prediction
Experts predict the team winning the toss will likely opt to bowl first, given the early movement for pacers and the advantage of dew later in the evening.
Head-to-Head Record — India’s Complete Dominance
India holds a completely dominant record against Afghanistan across formats. The Men in Blue have never lost to Afghanistan, winning 11 out of 14 encounters. However, Afghanistan has pushed India to the brink twice, forcing a Super Over tie in the 2018 Asia Cup and nearly causing an upset at the 2021 T20 World Cup. In ODIs specifically, India has won three of the four matches played, with one match ending in a tie.
| Format | Matches | India Won | Afghanistan Won | Tied/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| T20Is | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Tests | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 |
🔥 Spotlight on Rohit Sharma: Records, Form & Afghanistan Dominance
All eyes will be on the returning veteran Rohit Sharma. The 39-year-old has battled a right hamstring injury but has received fitness clearance, joining the Indian squad in Mohali and is fit to play the series opener. The stakes are immense for him:
- Record in Sight: By playing this match, Rohit is set to break a 37-year-old record, surpassing Mohinder Amarnath to become the oldest player to represent India in an ODI. At 39 years and 44 days on the match day, he will be older than Amarnath (39 years 36 days) was when he played his last ODI in 1989.
- Outstanding Record Against Afghanistan: In 3 ODIs against Afghanistan, Rohit has scored 150 runs at an average of 75 and a strike rate of 127.11, including a massive century.
- Devastating Previous Knock: In his last outing against Afghanistan during the 2023 World Cup, Rohit smashed a breathtaking 131 off just 84 balls, an innings laced with 16 fours and 5 sixes.
- Upcoming Milestone: Sharma is just six runs away from completing 16,000 runs in international cricket as an opener.
India Squad News & Predicted Playing XI
India will be without several senior players, which presents a golden opportunity for youngsters. Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya have been ruled out due to injuries. In their absence, Shubman Gill will continue as captain, with Shreyas Iyer as his deputy. The squad has seen the inclusion of maiden call-ups for fast bowlers Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar, along with spinner Harsh Dubey. Ishan Kishan also returns to the ODI squad after more than two years. With the pitch favouring early movement for pacers, India is expected to play three frontline seamers, with Prince Yadav likely to make his debut. Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace attack.
1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shubman Gill (C), 3. Ishan Kishan, 4. Shreyas Iyer (VC), 5. KL Rahul (WK), 6. Nitish Kumar Reddy, 7. Washington Sundar, 8. Kuldeep Yadav, 9. Arshdeep Singh, 10. Prince Yadav (Debut), 11. Prasidh Krishna.
Impact Player: Rinku Singh / Harsh Dubey.
Afghanistan Squad News & Predicted Playing XI
Afghanistan enters the series with a settled and dangerous squad, particularly in the spin department. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who was rested for the one-off Test match, returns to the side. He comes in red-hot form after an impressive IPL 2026 season where he picked up 21 wickets for Gujarat Titans. Their batting relies heavily on the aggressive opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, while the middle order boasts the experience of captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and the all-round skills of Azmatullah Omarzai.
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), 2. Ibrahim Zadran, 3. Sediqullah Atal, 4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), 5. Rahmat Shah, 6. Azmatullah Omarzai, 7. Mohammad Nabi, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. AM Ghazanfar, 10. Fazalhaq Farooqi, 11. Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Impact Player: Noor Ahmad / Gulbadin Naib.
💰 Fantasy Tips (IND vs AFG 1st ODI)
🏆 Best Fantasy Playing XI (Dream11 / Fantasy App)
Captain Pick: Rohit Sharma — Has a phenomenal record against Afghanistan, scoring 150 runs in 3 matches at an average of 75 and a strike rate of 127. He is also chasing a major personal milestone.
Vice-Captain Pick: Rashid Khan — The star leg-spinner returns to the side and is Afghanistan’s biggest wicket-taking threat. In favourable bowling conditions, he is guaranteed to bowl his full quota.
Differential Picks: Prince Yadav (India) — debutant with pace; Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan) — young batter with aggressive intent.
Fantasy Strategy: Load up on top-order batters from both sides. Choose pacers from India (Arshdeep, Prasidh) as Dharamsala assists swing early. Spinners (Rashid, Kuldeep) will be effective in the middle overs.
🔥 Key Battles to Watch
🎤 What the Experts Are Saying
📢 Reader Poll: Who Will Win the 1st ODI?
🗳️ Cast Your Vote
124,567 votes cast so far (live simulation)
📊 Match Prediction & Senior Journalist’s Verdict
🗣️ My Take: India Favourites, But Afghanistan’s Spin Threat Is Real
India starts as the clear favourite, given their overwhelming 9-0 head-to-head record and superior squad depth. However, Afghanistan will be no pushovers. Their world-class spin attack — led by Rashid Khan, Nabi, and Ghazanfar — can make life difficult for a slightly undercooked Indian middle order that is missing Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya.
The conditions in Dharamsala will assist pacers early, giving India’s three-seamer attack an edge. But if Afghanistan’s openers survive the first 10 overs, their spinners will come into play under lights. The key for India is to bat first and post a total above 290. For Afghanistan, winning the toss and bowling first could be their best chance.
My Prediction: India to win the 1st ODI, but not without a stiff challenge from the spirited Afghan side. Expect Rohit Sharma to play a significant role and break the 37-year-old record.
— Admin, Senior Cricket Journalist
📺 Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
India: Star Sports Network (TV) · JioHotstar / JioStar (App & Website)
Global (Free): ICC.tv and ICC’s official YouTube channel
Match Start: 1:30 PM IST · 8:00 AM GMT
Related Posts
Rain Stopped Play, Gurbaz Didn’t: The 48-Ball Blitz That Broke Records & Left India Stunned | IND vs AFG 1st ODI Report
IND A vs AFG A: Afghanistan A Stun India A by 4 Runs (DLS) in Rain-Hit Tri-Series Thriller
