Desk Correspondent , Delhi - India’s ODI squad for the Afghanistan series saw several notable changes, including the return of Ishan Kishan and the exclusion of Rishabh Pant. The selectors also rested senior stars Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja as part of workload management.

Pant’s omission from the ODI setup emerged as one of the biggest decisions from the selection meeting. The management instead opted for Kishan as the second wicketkeeper alongside KL Rahul, rewarding the left-hander’s recent white-ball consistency and aggressive batting approach. Fitness concerns remain around Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, both of whom have struggled with injuries during IPL 2026. Their participation in the series will depend on final fitness clearance from the medical team.

The ODI squad also features fresh faces, with Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey earning maiden call-ups after impressive performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. The selectors appear keen to expand India’s white-ball depth ahead of a busy international calendar. Regulars like Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav continue to form the core of the ODI side under captain Shubman Gill.

India’s ODI squad signals a clear push towards squad rotation and future planning, with the selectors balancing senior experience and emerging talent. The Afghanistan series will now offer several young players an opportunity to strengthen their place in India’s white-ball setup.