Dharamsala: India will begin their preparations for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup when they take on Afghanistan in the first match of a three-game ODI series at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday. While the focus will naturally be on senior stars, captain Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy are expected to attract significant attention as India assess key personnel ahead of the global tournament.

The series marks an important phase in India’s long-term planning, with selectors and team management keen to evaluate both experienced campaigners and emerging talents as they build towards the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.

Rohit’s fitness under scrutiny

Rohit Sharma enters the series after recovering from a hamstring niggle that troubled him during IPL 2026. The Indian captain has reportedly regained full fitness and is expected to lead the side from the front.

At 39, Rohit remains one of India’s most reliable ODI performers. However, questions continue to surround whether he can maintain his fitness and form until the next World Cup.

India are scheduled to play around 25 ODIs before the 2027 tournament, providing ample opportunities to test combinations while also managing the workload of senior players.

The Afghanistan series will therefore offer an early indication of Rohit’s physical condition and his readiness to continue as a key figure in India’s white-ball plans.

Nitish Reddy eyes bigger role

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the series is the role of Nitish Kumar Reddy.

The talented all-rounder is being viewed as a potential backup to Hardik Pandya, whose recurring injury concerns have often disrupted India’s balance in major tournaments.

Reddy impressed during IPL 2026 with both bat and ball, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. While his batting credentials are widely acknowledged, the team management will be particularly interested in assessing his bowling workload.

India need an all-rounder capable of consistently delivering close to 10 overs in ODI cricket, and this series could provide crucial insights into whether Reddy can fill that role effectively.

Kohli absent, opportunity for others

India will be without batting stalwart Virat Kohli, who has been ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury.

His absence creates an opportunity for younger players to strengthen their claims in the batting order.

Captain Rohit Sharma is expected to open alongside Shubman Gill, while a decision will need to be made between Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the crucial No. 3 position.

Recently appointed T20 captain Shreyas Iyer is likely to occupy the No. 4 slot, with KL Rahul expected to anchor the middle order as wicketkeeper-batter.

Bowling attack gets fresh look

With premier fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj rested for workload management, India’s pace attack will have a different look.

Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna are expected to spearhead the bowling unit, while either Prince Yadav or Gurnoor Brar could make their international debut.

In the spin department, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav are likely to shoulder the responsibility. Uncapped spinner Harsh Dubey also remains an option.

Afghanistan remain dangerous opponents

Although Afghanistan struggled in the recent Test encounter against India, they remain a formidable white-ball side.

Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, the visitors will be strengthened by the return of star spinner Rashid Khan, who has focused exclusively on limited-overs cricket following back surgery.

Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi continues to provide balance and experience, while pacer Mohammad Saleem has earned selection after a six-wicket haul in the recent Test.

Afghanistan’s impressive run during the 2023 ODI World Cup demonstrated their ability to challenge top teams, making them dangerous opponents despite India’s home advantage.

Conclusion

As India embark on their 2027 World Cup journey, the series against Afghanistan offers a valuable opportunity to assess both established stars and emerging talent. While Rohit Sharma’s fitness and leadership will be closely watched, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s development as a genuine all-round option could prove equally significant for India’s long-term plans.

With Afghanistan capable of causing surprises, fans can expect a competitive start to India’s ODI campaign.