India face a test of squad depth as they play Afghanistan in the first-ever ODI series between the two countries. Coverage highlights that Afghanistan arrives with more ODI experience in Indian conditions, which they are expected to rely on during the series. India, in contrast, are set to miss key senior and frontline players. Sources state that Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are unavailable for the ODI contests, leaving India to adjust their batting, bowling and overall balance.
With several regular contributors absent, India’s XI is likely to feature new combinations and role reassignment, placing greater responsibility on remaining batters and bowlers to cover both top-order stability and death-overs execution. The series is also presented as a benchmark for Afghanistan’s ability to handle the challenges of ODI cricket in India, including adapting to local pitches and managing match situations against a major home opponent.
Overall, the match-ups are framed around experience versus depth, with Afghanistan leaning on ODI know-how and India being judged on how effectively they respond to the absence of multiple star players.
