Shubman Gill's team opts to bowl first in Dharamsala after rain delays the match
Category: Sports
In a rain-affected opening ODI of the three-match series, India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to field against Afghanistan at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on June 13, 2026. The match was reduced to 25 overs per side due to relentless rain that delayed the start by over four hours.
This encounter marks the first bilateral ODI cricket series between India and Afghanistan, with both teams previously meeting only in World Cups and Asia Cups. India has historically dominated these encounters, winning three out of four matches, with one ending in a tie. Coming into this match, India had lost three of its last five ODIs, whereas Afghanistan was riding high with four consecutive victories.
Both Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar received their maiden ODI caps during this match, marking a special milestone in their careers. Gurnoor Brar, a right-arm fast bowler from Punjab, was presented his cap by Shubman Gill, who is also a close friend and teammate. Harsh Dubey, a left-arm spinner from Vidarbha, received his cap from KL Rahul. This debut is a culmination of their impressive performances in domestic cricket, with Dubey having taken a record 69 wickets in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season.
As the match began, Gill cited the overcast conditions as a reason for opting to bowl first. He stated, "We will bowl first. It's a bit overcast, so the bowlers might get some help. Looks like a good surface, good wicket to bat on; could be something early on for the pacers. It's all about trying different combinations to see what works for us." Afghanistan's captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, echoed this sentiment, admitting that his team would have preferred to bowl first as well but was confident in their batting performance.
In preparation for the match, India made several changes to their lineup. The team left out spinner Kuldeep Yadav to include Dubey and Washington Sundar, with Nitish Kumar Reddy taking the place of the injured Hardik Pandya. Ishan Kishan was promoted to bat at No. 3 in Virat Kohli's absence, donning the wicketkeeping gloves ahead of Rahul.
India's decision to field two debutants in this match is part of a broader strategy as they gear up for the ICC World Cup 2027. The selectors have shown faith in young talents like Brar and Dubey, who have demonstrated their potential in domestic and IPL competitions. Brar, standing at six feet five inches, is known for his ability to generate steep bounce and bowl at high speeds, making him a valuable asset for the national team. His performances in the Punjab setup and the IPL have made him a promising prospect.
On the other hand, Dubey's rise as a left-arm orthodox spinner has been meteoric. His remarkable performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he achieved the highest wicket tally in a single season, has earned him this opportunity on the international stage. His ability to contribute with the bat as well adds depth to the Indian bowling lineup.
This match is particularly important as it serves as a litmus test for India's bench strength ahead of the World Cup. The inclusion of new players reflects a desire to experiment with different combinations and strategies, allowing the team to assess their options before the global tournament.
Following this ODI, the series continues with the second match scheduled for June 17, 2026, in Lucknow, and the third ODI set for June 20 in Chennai. These matches will provide additional opportunities for the debutants to showcase their skills and for the team to refine their strategies ahead of the World Cup.
As for Afghanistan, this series presents a unique challenge as it is their first time playing India in home conditions. They will look to capitalize on their recent form and build upon their successes in the previous matches. The team has also made strategic selections, including a three-man spin attack led by Rashid Khan, who missed the recent Test match.
With both teams eager to establish dominance in this inaugural series, fans can expect an exciting and competitive atmosphere in the upcoming matches. The stage is set for a thrilling contest as India and Afghanistan face off, with the potential for both teams to make a statement in the international cricket arena.