Match Preview: India vs Afghanistan – 1st ODI, 2026

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 09:00 GMT (14:30 IST)
Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharamsala
Series: Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 (3-Match ODI Series)

Match Context: A Tale of Two Formats

The Indian cricket team enters the first One Day International against Afghanistan with a massive psychological advantage, fresh off a historic performance in the preceding Test match. At the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, India delivered a crushing victory, defeating Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs. India posted a mammoth 564/8 declared, leaving the visitors with no answer despite a valiant effort in the field, eventually bowled out for 152 and 112.

Now, the series shifts to the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, known for its high altitude and scenic backdrop. This match serves as the opening salvo for India's preparations leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Key Storylines

1. The Virat Kohli Absence

A significant development for the Indian lineup is the absence of the veteran maestro Virat Kohli. The 40-year-old, who recently retired from T20Is (2024) and Test cricket (2025), has been in spectacular form, focusing entirely on the 50-over format. However, a hamstring injury has ruled him out of this three-match series.

Kohli's absence is a blow, considering his recent statistics: since the start of 2025, he has amassed 891 ODI runs at an average of 68.53, including four centuries. He was also in red-hot form heading into 2026, scoring 240 runs in just three matches against New Zealand. The Indian management is hoping he recovers in time for the crucial ODI tour of England in July, but his absence leaves a void in the middle order that the team must manage.

2. India's Squad Dynamics

With Kohli sidelined, the onus of consistency falls on the shoulders of vice-captain Shreyas Iyer and the top-order duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (Captain). The team management has named a strong squad featuring the explosive Hardik Pandya and the wicket-keeping prowess of KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan.

The bowling attack relies heavily on Arshdeep Singh for the new ball and the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar, who should thrive in the Dharamsala conditions. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Prasidh Krishna are also expected to play pivotal roles in restricting the Afghan batters.

3. Afghanistan's Form and Ambition

Despite the humiliation in the Test match, Afghanistan enters this ODI series with high spirits. The visitors are currently ranked 7th in the ICC ODI rankings (Rating: 93) and are coming off an "excellent" recent form, having won their last ODI series by a margin of 30 runs.

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has named his best available squad, anchored by the world-class leg-spinner Rashid Khan and the aggressive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Ibrahim Zadran is also expected to open the batting and has been identified as a key run-scorer for the visitors. Afghanistan's strategy will likely revolve around containing India's top order and utilizing the pitch conditions to set a competitive total or chase down a target.

Venue Analysis: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala

The HPCA Stadium is a venue that often favors batters, particularly in the early overs, though the high altitude can sometimes affect the swing and turn dynamics.

• Average 1st Innings Total: 253
• Average 2nd Innings Total: 228
• Pitch Characteristics: Historically, the pitch offers a good balance but can assist spinners as the game progresses. The altitude means the ball travels further in the air, making boundaries easier to hit once the bat is timed correctly.

Prediction & Key Battle

Match Outlook:
India, currently ranked 1st in the ICC ODI rankings (Rating: 118), is the clear favorite. Despite their recent loss to New Zealand in the Test series, the team's depth and the sheer gulf in class between the two sides in the ODI format suggest a dominant performance from the hosts.

Key Battles:

• Rashid Khan vs. India's Middle Order: The Afghan maestro will be the primary threat, but India's experienced top order should look to target him early.
• Ibrahim Zadran vs. Arshdeep Singh: The Afghan opener will look to exploit the new ball, while Arshdeep will aim to strike early.
• Shreyas Iyer's Responsibility: With Kohli out, Iyer is predicted to be the match-winner, potentially leading the charge to a high total.

Predicted Statistics:

• Toss Winner: India (likely to bat first given the high altitude).
• Projected Scores: India 350+ (Batting First) vs. Afghanistan 310+.
• Top Batter (Runs): Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) and Shreyas Iyer (IND).
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Rashid Khan (AFG) and Arshdeep Singh (IND).
• Most Sixes: Darwish Rasooli (AFG) and Hardik Pandya (IND).
• Player of the Match Prediction: Shreyas Iyer.

Conclusion

While Afghanistan will certainly fight with courage and the tactical brilliance of Rashid Khan, India's depth and the momentum from their Test victory make them overwhelming favorites. The absence of Virat Kohli is a concern, but in a team as deep as India, it is unlikely to derail their plans for a comfortable victory in Dharamsala. Expect India to chase down the target or post a massive total to secure a win and set the tone for the 2027 World Cup campaign.

Verdict: India to win comfortably.