📅 May 19, 2026 | By Pulse India News Desk
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced India’s squads for the upcoming Afghanistan tour of India 2026, featuring a one-off Test match and a three-match ODI series in June.
The announcement has generated massive excitement among cricket fans as senior stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the ODI setup, while Shubman Gill has been handed leadership responsibilities.
The squads also feature a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents, signaling India’s preparation for the next major ICC cycle.
India vs Afghanistan 2026 Series Schedule
Complete fixtures, match timings and venues for India’s home series against Afghanistan in June 2026.
Series Overview
India will host Afghanistan for a one-off Test match followed by a three-match ODI series in June 2026. The series marks the return of senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODIs, while Shubman Gill will lead India across both formats.
India Squad vs Afghanistan 2026
Complete India squads for the Afghanistan tour with player roles for both ODI and Test formats.
India ODI Squad
* Subject to fitness
India Test Squad
Key Talking Points From India’s Squad Selection
Shubman Gill Begins New Leadership Era
The biggest headline from the squad announcement is the continued rise of Shubman Gill as India’s leader across formats. The young batter has now become central to India’s long-term plans and will captain both the ODI and Test sides against Afghanistan.
Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli Return in ODIs
Senior legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the ODI setup, adding massive experience and stability to the batting lineup.
Their presence is expected to boost fan excitement and provide guidance to India’s younger core.
Fresh Faces Earn Opportunities
Young talents like Prince Yadav, Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar and Gurnoor Brar have received important opportunities.
Selectors appear keen to test bench strength ahead of future ICC tournaments and overseas assignments.
Hardik Pandya’s Fitness Under Watch
The ODI squad note mentioning “subject to fitness” for Hardik Pandya suggests the all-rounder is still being monitored carefully.
India’s management is likely to avoid rushing him back before major tournaments later in the year.
What This Series Means for India
The Afghanistan series may appear short on paper, but it carries major significance for India’s evolving squad structure.
The tour will help:
- Finalize combinations for future ICC events
- Evaluate young fast bowlers and all-rounders
- Continue Gill’s captaincy transition
- Reintegrate senior players into ODI cricket
- Test India’s bench depth across formats
With a balanced blend of youth and experience, India enter the series as strong favorites.
