India vs Afghanistan Squad announced: Shubman Gill names Captain, KL Rahul Vice-Captain; Rohit, Virat return for ODIs
PTC News Desk: Shubman Gill will captain India in the upcoming one-off Test and the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan starting June 6. KL Rahul has been named vice-captain for the Test match, while Shreyas Iyer returns to the ODI squad and will serve as Gill’s deputy in the 50-over format.
Senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been included in the ODI squad. However, the participation of Rohit and Hardik Pandya will depend on clearance under the BCCI’s fitness protocols.
Young players Harsh Dubey, Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar and Prince Yadav (for ODIs only) have received their first India call-ups. Meanwhile, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the series.
With the T20 World Cup completed and the focus now shifting toward the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the selectors are expected to use this series to begin shaping a squad capable of competing for the title.
India’s likely top order appears straightforward, with Gill and Rohit expected to open the innings, followed by Kohli at number three.
Rohit had missed five consecutive IPL matches for the Mumbai Indians because of a right hamstring injury. He later returned only as an Impact Substitute. Although his batting form remained solid — scoring 268 runs in seven matches — concerns remained over whether he could handle the physical demands of batting for long periods and fielding through a full 50-over match.
Despite those concerns, he has still been selected in the ODI squad.
India Test squad: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vc) Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel
India's ODI squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer (vc), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey.
- With inputs from agencies
