New Delhi, June 12, 2026: Following a dominant performance by Team India in the one-off Test match, the focus now completely shifts to the white-ball format. India and Afghanistan are all set to clash in a highly anticipated three-match One Day International (ODI) series. The opening fixture promises to be a thriller as an evolving, youthful Indian side takes on a dangerous Afghan line-up packed with world-class spin talent and explosive batters. With both teams building their strategies for upcoming ICC cycles, this bilateral series holds immense value for testing bench strength and locking down key team roles.
The Schedule & Match Details
The 1st ODI is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The match will begin at 1:30 PM IST, with the crucial toss taking place half an hour earlier at 1:00 PM IST.
The battleground for the series opener is the visually stunning Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala. Known globally as one of the most picturesque cricket grounds, the venue is nestled against the backdrop of the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range.
Historically, the pitch at Dharamshala offers plenty of assistance to seamers early on due to the high altitude and cool breeze, but it transitions into an excellent batting track as the game progresses. Chasing is often preferred here due to the evening dew factor.
When and Where to Watch: Live Streaming & Telecast Details
Cricket fans can catch every ball of the India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI across multiple platforms.
- TV Broadcast in India: The match will be broadcast live on the Sports18 Network. Fans can tune in to Sports18 1 and Sports18 HD for English commentary, while regional language feeds will be available on accompanying channels.
- Live Streaming: For digital viewers, the entire series will be streamed live and free on the JioCinema app and website across smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
- Global Viewing: In Afghanistan, local networks like RTA Sports are expected to broadcast the game, while fans across other global territories can access the stream through localized ICC broadcast partners.
Team India: Leadership Shift and Latest Squad Updates
The big talking point in the Indian camp is the leadership structure. Shubman Gill continues his transition into a core leadership role as the captain for this series, with Shreyas Iyer named as his vice-captain.
While heavyweights like Rohit Sharma are part of the officially announced pool, a critical, last-minute update emerged from the Indian camp: Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the ODI series after sustaining a hamstring injury. Explosive left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been officially drafted into the squad as his replacement.
Furthermore, star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for this entire assignment to manage his workload, giving an extensive runway to India’s younger pace brigade featuring Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna. Hardik Pandya is included but his deployment remains contingent on clearing localized fitness tests.
Team Afghanistan: A Full-Strength White-Ball Unit Arrives
Unlike their Test squad, which was missing several vital cogs, Afghanistan has unleashed its absolute best line-up for the 100-over format. Led by the dependable Hashmatullah Shahidi, the visitors welcome back their premier global superstar Rashid Khan alongside dynamic top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran. Both players were rested for the red-ball match but are fit and roaring to go for the ODIs.
The Afghan squad balances the timeless experience of veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi with the youthful exuberance of teenage sensation Allah Ghazanfar and explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Afghanistan’s spin department—consisting of Rashid, Nabi, and Nangialai Kharoti—is fully capable of dismantling any top-tier batting lineup if the pitch offers even a modicum of turn.
Key Tactical Matchups to Watch
An analysis of both squads highlights three critical tactical battles that will ultimately dictate the outcome of the 1st ODI:
1. Shubman Gill vs Afghanistan’s New-Ball Attack
Gill has a phenomenal record in the ODI format, but the swinging conditions of Dharamshala in the first ten overs will test his technique. Left-arm seamer Fareed Malik and the sharp Bilal Sami will try to extract early movement to disrupt India’s top order before the spinners take over.
2. The Battle of Spin: Kuldeep Yadav vs Rashid Khan
While they won’t bowl directly to each other, the middle-overs control exerted by India’s premier chinaman Kuldeep Yadav and Afghanistan’s talisman Rashid Khan will determine which team chokes the run-flow. The team that plays the opposing spinner better is highly likely to command the game.
3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Arshdeep Singh
Gurbaz is a highly destructive opening batter who can take the game away from the opposition within the Powerplay. Left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh, known for his ability to swing the white ball back into right-handers, will be tasked with removing Gurbaz early to prevent Afghanistan from getting off to a flyer.
With a perfect mix of youthful energy, comeback stories, and a breathtaking venue, the 1st ODI promises an entertaining start to the white-ball leg of the tour. India begins as the statistical favorites on home soil, but write off a full-strength Afghanistan white-ball team at your own peril.