India’s probable playing XI vs Afghanistan: Prince Yadav gets the nod, Ishan Kishan returns

On June 13, India begins chasing that question with a match against Afghanistan. This trio of ODIs lacks the shine of worldwide events, yet stands as their opening move towards the 2027 World Cup. At once shifting gears and spotting chances, the moment feels like a doorway – one built not for now, but later.

Right now matters more than it seems. With Virat Kohli hurt, plus Hardik Pandya sidelined, India must shuffle things fast – giving chances to names that lingered on the edge for months, sometimes longer. True, eyes stay fixed on skipper Shubman Gill, also aging star Rohit Sharma, stepping in again. Yet deeper shifts hide behind them: quiet battles brewing among those trying to claim a lasting spot in India’s one-day future.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s wait continues, Ishan Kishan’s chance arrives for Team India

At first glance, slotting Yashasvi Jaiswal in for Virat Kohli seemed like a big break for the southpaw. Still, India’s fixed top order suggests the young batter might just be warming the bench again.

Fresh confirmation confirms Rohit Sharma can take part in the series, whereas Shubman Gill continues to be key at the top.

Even if picked, sharing space up front might be tough. Rohit Sharma holds that spot tight. Hard to see the room without someone stepping aside. Change feels unlikely mid-flow. The opening slot stays guarded. His moment may need patience. Selection hinges on timing more than talent.

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Barring Kohli, the one who gains is Ishan Kishan, who stands in the spotlight. His moment arrives quietly when others step aside.

Bright, once in India’s limited-overs plans, Ishan Kishan spent months regaining footing. That game against Afghanistan in October 2023 remains his latest ODI match.

Left-handed batting returns, stepping into a spot that might shape his one-day path ahead. Not just any slot – number three, long held by Kohli – calls for calm shifts in pace and steady nerves under weight. This isn’t new ground for Kishan; he has walked it before, with results backing his name. Shorter games recently added proof, showing glimpses of what fits the need.

After him, the Indian middle lineup seems mostly sorted. At spot four, stand-in deputy Shreyas Iyer is likely stepping in; meanwhile, KL Rahul takes on keeping along with batting further down.

Out on the sidelines with a thigh strain, Hardik Pandya leaves yet another gap for India to fill.

Most of the load might fall on Nitish Kumar Reddy. A rising talent from Andhra Pradesh, he brings harmony through his bowling and hitting. Not far behind, Washington Sundar adds variety – crafty turns, lower-order reach, smart positioning woven into play. One moment, he fills the gaps; Next, he shifts momentum.

Right now, they might not match Hardik’s influence right away – still, India gains room to test new setups before the World Cup rolls in.

Prince Yadav’s moment for Team India

Story-wise, Prince Yadav might just take center stage. A pace bowler from Lucknow Super Giants has moved up step by step, close to playing his first one-day international. Twelve games into IPL 2026, sixteen dismissals marked him out – control, nerve, and knack for key breakthroughs stood clear.

What stands out are his List A figures. From the moment he stepped into the scene in 2024, Prince took 29 wickets across only 14 games – a steady output that grabs attention when picking young pace options.

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When Mohammed Siraj sits out, and Jasprit Bumrah stays out, India gets room to try someone new. Leading the bowling charge, that task may fall to Arshdeep Singh. Prasidh Krishna adds height and know-how from his past outings. Into that mix steps Prince, fitting neatly beside them as part of a young yet tested three-man seam group

With a new World Cup journey starting, India’s games against Afghanistan matter most for spotting future builders of the team. A few names will rise through clear proof on the field. For some, patience still stretches ahead.
For Prince Yadav, Ishan Kishan, along with a few others hovering at the edges, what happens now might just open a wider path ahead.

India squad for Afghanistan ODIs: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer (VC), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Hardik Pandya.