India Vs Afghanistan 1st ODI 2026: Shubman Gill Leads, Squad Strength, And Streaming Details

Team India is set to take on Afghanistan in the first ODI on June 13, 2026, with the series opener set for HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. Shubman Gill will captain the home side as both teams begin a fresh white-ball campaign.

The three-match series marks an important phase in India’s build-up to the next 50-over World Cup. Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, will use the contest to assess combinations and try out different approaches against a strong opponent.

Opportunities in the India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI

Virat Kohli will miss the game due to a recent physical injury, leaving a notable void in India’s top order. His absence opens the door for other batters to step up and make a case for a regular place.

Ruturaj Gaikwad could be pushed into the number three role, while another player may also be considered for that position. With competition intense, every opportunity in the middle order will carry added weight.

A strong outing with the bat could help young players strengthen their claims ahead of future selections. For several members of the squad, this match is as much about individual consistency as it is about the result.

Timings and Streaming for India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI

The match begins at 1:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 1:00 PM. Fans tuning in from home will have the full afternoon to follow the action from Dharamsala.

The game will be shown live on the Star Sports Network in India. Viewers can expect coverage in multiple regional languages, along with pre-match build-up and expert analysis.

For online viewers, the live stream will be available on the JioHotstar app. Fans can watch the match on mobile devices, smart TVs or laptops with a stable internet connection.

Squad Strength in India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI

India have named a squad that blends experience with promising young talent. Shubman Gill leads a group that looks balanced across departments and capable of adapting to different match situations.

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya add experience, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer bring youthful energy. KL Rahul is part of the wicketkeeping options, and Kuldeep Yadav remains central to the spin attack.

Nitish Kumar Reddy adds depth as an all-round option, while Prasidh Krishna brings pace to the bowling unit. Washington Sundar offers control with his off-spin, and Harsh Dubey and Ishan Kishan provide further options.

Arshdeep Singh leads the left-arm pace battery, with Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav completing the fast-bowling group. The home attack will look to use the conditions in Dharamsala to full effect.

Afghanistan Team for India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI

Afghanistan arrive with a competitive squad and a clear plan for the series. Hashmatullah Shahidi will marshal the side, with Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran providing batting strength at the top.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ikram Alikhil are the wicketkeeping options, while Azmatullah Omarzai adds balance as an all-rounder. He can contribute with both bat and ball when needed.

Rashid Khan remains Afghanistan’s biggest weapon, with Mohammad Nabi bringing experience and control. AM Ghazanfar and Nangeyalia Kharoti add more spin depth to the squad.

Fareed Ahmad Malik offers left-arm pace, while Bilal Sami and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi support the bowling unit. Darwish Rasooli adds batting depth, giving Afghanistan a well-rounded lineup for the contest.

Key Information on India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI

Here is a quick look at the main details of the series opener. Fans can refer to the table below for the key match information.

With both teams carrying strong squads, the opening ODI promises a competitive contest in Dharamsala. The match will also set the tone for the rest of the series and offer an early indication of where both sides stand in their preparation.