India-Afghanistan 2nd ODI: After the rain in Dharamshala, now the test will be held in the heat of Lucknow, will the guest’s account be opened?

By Samira Vishwas On Jun 23, 2026

IND vs AFG 2nd ODI: The second match of the three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan will be played on Wednesday at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. India took a 1-0 lead in the series by winning by 7 wickets in the rain-affected first ODI in Dharamshala. Now Team India will be eyeing to win the series, while Afghanistan will try to level the series by registering an ODI win against India for the first time.

Due to rain in Dharamshala, the match was reduced to 25-25 overs, due to which both the teams did not get a chance to test their new players in the full 50 over match. India gave a debut opportunity to Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar in that match, while Afghanistan gave the ODI cap for the first time to Ziaur Rahman.

However, the weather is expected to remain completely clear in Lucknow. There is no danger of rain here. But players may have to face heat and humidity. The temperature can reach up to 39 degrees Celsius during the match, which will seriously test the fitness and patience of the players.

Kuldeep may get a chance
The Indian team management has been trying different combinations keeping the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. Spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has indicated that there will not be much changes in the batting order. But Kuldeep Yadav may get a chance in bowling. Kuldeep did not play in the first ODI, while debutant Harsh Dubey impressed by taking 3 wickets.

All eyes will be on Brar
All eyes will also be on Gurnoor Brar, who was the biggest attraction in the first ODI. The fast bowler proved the selectors’ decision right by taking 3 wickets in his very first match. He consistently bowled at speeds of over 145 kmph and troubled Afghanistan’s batsmen.

On the other hand, Afghanistan will have big expectations from their explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Gurbaz had put the Indian bowlers in trouble by scoring a century in just 48 balls in Dharamshala. However, after his dismissal, Afghanistan’s entire batting fell apart. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi would like the middle order to also shoulder the responsibility this time.

Afghanistan batsman Darvesh Rasooli has also joined the team. His father passed away last week, due to which he was not available in the first match.

Talking about statistics, Afghanistan has played five ODIs against India so far. His biggest achievement has been the tied match against India in the 2018 Asia Cup. In such a situation, they will have the opportunity to create history in Lucknow, while India would like to strengthen their preparations for the 2027 World Cup by winning the series.

India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shubman Gill (captain), 3 Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), 4 Shreyas Iyer, 5 KL Rahul, 6 Washington Sundar, 7 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 8 Harsh Dubey, 9 Gurnoor Brar, 10 Kuldeep Yadav/Prasidh Krishna, 11 Arshdeep Singh.

Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Sediqullah Atal, 4 Rahmat Shah, 5 Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), 6 Azmatullah Umarzai, 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Ghazanfar, 10 Mohammad Saleem, 11 Ziaur Rehman.