Team India Announced! Shubman Gill Named Captain; These Three New Players Get Place in Squad for Afghanistan Series
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Team India's squad for the One Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan, scheduled to take place in June. This time, the selectors have entrusted the team's command to young batsman Shubman Gill, while Shreyas Iyer has been named the vice-captain. This three-match ODI series is set to commence on June 14. The squad selection features several significant decisions that have sparked intense discussion among cricket fans.
Confidence Shown in Young Talent
With an eye on the future, the BCCI has placed a major bet on young players for this series. By handing the captaincy to Shubman Gill, the Board has sent a clear signal that he is being groomed for greater responsibilities within Team India in the times to come. Simultaneously, by appointing Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain, an effort has been made to bolster both stability and leadership within the middle order.
The squad also includes seasoned veterans such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, thereby ensuring a visible balance between youth and experience.
IPL Stars Earn Secure Maiden Call-ups to Team India Squad
The hard work of several players who delivered stellar performances in the 2026 IPL has finally paid off. Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler Prince Yadav has earned a spot in the Indian squad for the very first time. Joining him are Punjab Kings' Gurkeerat Brar and Sunrisers Hyderabad's Harsh Dubey, who have also been included in the ODI squad.
These players caught the selectors' attention through their impressive bowling and all-round performances in the IPL. Now, all eyes will be on how these players fare on the international stage.
Fitness Concerns Persist Regarding Rohit and Hardik
Although the squad list features the names of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, the participation of both players remains contingent upon their fitness levels. The Board has clarified that its medical team is continuously monitoring the condition of both players.
Meanwhile, prominent names such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja are notably absent from the squad for this series. It is believed that these players have been rested following the lengthy IPL season to ensure they remain fully fit for upcoming major tournaments.
Three Matches to be Played from Dharamshala to Chennai
The first match of the ODI series between India and Afghanistan will be played on June 14 in Dharamshala. The second match will take place on June 17 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, while the third and final ODI will be held on June 20 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Additionally, a Test match will be played between the two teams starting June 6—prior to the ODI series—ensuring that cricket fans get to witness a continuous stream of thrilling contests.
India's Full Squad
Players
Shubman Gill (Captain)
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)
KL Rahul
Ishan Kishan
Hardik Pandya
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Washington Sundar
Kuldeep Yadav
Arshdeep Singh
Prasidh Krishna
Prince Yadav
Gurnoor Brar
Harsh Dubey
A Great Opportunity for Young Players to Prove Themselves
This series is also being viewed as a preparatory ground for upcoming major tournaments. For new players, in particular, this presents a golden opportunity to prove their mettle on the international stage. Fans are now eagerly waiting to see how Team India performs on the field under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.