Nangeyalia Kharote as India weigh Kuldeep Yadav and Jaiswal for 2nd ODI
India took a 1-0 lead over Afghanistan after the opener, and nangeyalia kharote now sits inside a selection picture that could change before the second ODI on Wednesday. Shubman Gill said the series is about trying different combinations and seeing what works, with India aiming to lock up the three-match set while also testing options.
Gill’s ODI combination test
Gill framed the series as a chance to learn where the squad’s strengths really are. “For this series, it's all about trying different combinations and seeing what really works for us. We don't play that many ODIs anymore - leading up to the World Cup, so it's all about trying different combinations and seeing what our strengths are,” he said before the opener.
That approach is already shaping the second match. India are weighing whether to bring Kuldeep Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal into the XI, while Gurnoor Brar is likely to get another game after impressing on debut in the opener. Prince Yadav is also waiting for his turn, giving India several moving parts as they try to settle on the right mix.
Kuldeep Yadav and Jaiswal
Kuldeep’s case is one of the sharper selection calls. He has recently missed India’s T20I squads for the Ireland and England tours and the Asian Games, so a recall in this ODI series would give him another chance to show where he fits in the team’s plans.
Jaiswal is in the same conversation because India are still sorting out roles beyond the settled names. Virat Kohli is out of the series with a hamstring injury, and Morne Morkel has already said India will play around with the No. 3 slot. In the opening game, Ishan Kishan was used there, giving the management a first look at one possible solution.
Harsh Dubey’s debut impact
Harsh Dubey strengthened the case for rotation by taking three wickets on debut with finger spin in the opener. Gurnoor Brar also impressed in that rain-shortened match, which makes his chances of another appearance stronger as India decide how aggressively to keep testing new options.
Morkel explained the batting plan in direct terms: “In terms of that number three slot, that's something that in this series we'll play around with. Even if it's Ishan or KL or Yashasvi, it's a nice opportunity now. We've got a couple of one-day games coming up and we'll give guys opportunity in different slots.” He added that the aim is “Just to give ourselves a better idea in terms of how we can go and structure the team and have different options.”
Afghanistan series pressure
The opener gave India the start they wanted, but it was not a clean read on every player. The match was shortened by rain, Rohit Sharma was run out cheaply, and the result still left India one win from an unassailable lead in the series. Wednesday’s game now carries the double task of sealing the contest and extending the selection audit.
For India, that means the next XI is not just about beating Afghanistan again. It is also about giving fringe and returning players a proper look in roles that matter ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle.
