India and Afghanistan are set to face off in a three-match ODI series starting on June 13. The series comes immediately after the one-off Test and promises to deliver an exciting contest between two sides packed with match-winners.
For India, the series presents an opportunity to continue building depth ahead of future ICC events, while Afghanistan will be eager to test themselves against one of the strongest ODI sides in world cricket. With a combination of experienced performers and rising stars on both sides, several players could play a decisive role throughout the series.
Players to watch out for in IND vs AFG ODI series
The upcoming ODI series between India and Afghanistan features some of the most exciting talents in international cricket. While India boast a blend of proven performers and emerging stars, Afghanistan arrive with a squad capable of challenging any opposition through their explosive batting and dangerous spin attack. These five players could have a major influence on the outcome of the series.
1. Prince Yadav (India)
One of the most exciting additions to India’s ODI squad, Prince Yadav has earned his maiden call-up following an impressive rise through domestic cricket and IPL 2026. The young Delhi pacer showcased his ability to bowl with pace, accuracy and composure while representing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Prince finished IPL 2026 with 16 wickets in 14 matches and consistently troubled batters with his yorkers and hard lengths. His standout performances against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. If given an opportunity, the youngster could provide India with an exciting new-ball option and a genuine wicket-taking threat in the middle overs.
2. Shreyas Iyer (India)
Shreyas Iyer will carry significant responsibility in India’s middle order during the series. The stylish right-hander has established himself as one of India’s most dependable ODI batters and is particularly effective against spin bowling.
His ability to rotate strike, build partnerships and accelerate when required makes him a crucial figure against Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack. With vast experience in the format and a strong ODI record, Iyer will be expected to anchor India’s innings and guide the younger players around him.
3. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)
Yashasvi Jaiswal has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most exciting batting prospects across formats. The aggressive left-handed opener has consistently demonstrated his ability to dominate bowlers from the outset and put opposition attacks under immediate pressure.
The ODI series offers Jaiswal another opportunity to cement his place in India’s white-ball plans. His fearless approach against both pace and spin makes him a dangerous proposition, particularly during the powerplay overs where he can quickly shift momentum in India’s favour.
4. Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)
At just 19 years of age, Allah Ghazanfar has already established himself as one of Afghanistan’s most exciting bowling talents. The mystery spinner possesses a wide range of variations, including a deceptive carrom ball, making him difficult for batters to pick.
Ghazanfar has enjoyed an outstanding start to his ODI career, collecting wickets regularly while maintaining an excellent average. His performances in IPL 2026 further enhanced his reputation as a genuine match-winner. On spin-friendly surfaces, he could become Afghanistan’s biggest weapon against India’s formidable batting lineup.
5. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
Whenever Afghanistan take the field in white-ball cricket, Rahmanullah Gurbaz remains one of their most dangerous players. The wicketkeeper-batter has built a reputation for taking the attack to bowlers from the very first ball and can single-handedly alter the course of a match.
Gurbaz’s aggressive style is ideally suited to ODI cricket, particularly during the powerplay when fielding restrictions allow him to maximize scoring opportunities. Having gained significant experience in Indian conditions through franchise cricket, he will be eager to provide Afghanistan with strong starts and put pressure on India’s bowling attack.
