India Squad for Afghanistan ODIs: Sanju Samson Out, Hardik Pandya Returns

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the Indian cricket team squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan. This highly anticipated series is scheduled to commence on June 14. The announcement comes after a period of evaluation following India's last home ODI series, which was played against New Zealand earlier this year. When comparing the newly announced squad for the Afghanistan series with the one that faced New Zealand, several significant changes and strategic shifts are evident in the team composition as the selectors look to build a solid lineup.

Sanju Samson Overlooked Despite Strong Performances

One of the most discussed aspects of the squad announcement is the continued exclusion of Sanju Samson from the ODI format. Despite his significant contributions to India's victory in the T20 World Cup 2026 and his impressive form in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the selectors have once again decided to look past him for the 50-over format. There were widespread reports and expectations that Samson's stellar performances in T20 cricket would earn him a spot in the ODI squad, but the selection committee has opted for a different direction. In his place, Ishan Kishan has been brought back into the fold, serving the dual role of a backup opening batsman and a backup wicketkeeper for the series.

Hardik Pandya Returns to the ODI Setup

In addition to Ishan Kishan's return, the squad sees the inclusion of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Pandya was notably absent from the previous ODI series against New Zealand as he wasn't yet fit enough to deliver his full quota of 10 overs of bowling at that time. His return to the national side is a significant boost, although it comes with certain conditions. During the IPL 2026 season, Pandya has been struggling with injury concerns, which led to him missing several matches for his franchise. Consequently, his selection for the Afghanistan series is subject to his fitness levels, as the team management monitors his recovery closely to ensure he can contribute effectively with both bat and ball.

Fresh Talent: Three New Faces Included

The BCCI has also shown a commitment to grooming new talent by including three fresh faces in the ODI squad: Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey. Among these newcomers, Prince Yadav has garnered significant attention due to his exceptional bowling performances in IPL 2026. Representing the Lucknow Super Giants, Yadav's ability to impress the selectors with his pace and accuracy has paved his way into the national team. There is a strong possibility that Prince Yadav might make his debut and feature in the playing XI during the Afghanistan series. This could lead to the exciting prospect of seeing Prince Yadav and veteran Virat Kohli playing together on the field in the upcoming matches, marking a new chapter for Indian cricket.