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As per the latest reports, former India captain Virat Kohli is confirmed to be playing in India's home ODI series against Afghanistan next month. The All India Senior Men's Selection Committee, led by Ajit Agarkar.
They are all set to meet in Guwahati on Tuesday to pick India's squad for the one-off Test and the three ODIs against Afghanistan to be played in June. Apart from Kohli, many other players are likely to be part of formal and informal discussions amongst the selectors.
Virat Kohli locked in, selectors cautious with Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah
While Virat Kohli has solidified his case for the ODIs with yet another brilliant IPL season, the selectors are reported to be cautious regarding Rohit Sharma.
Rohit had suffered a toe injury when his Mumbai Indians played against Kohli's Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 12 in IPL 2026. Since then, he also picked up a hamstring injury, which delayed his return to the field. As a result, Rohit has played only 7 of his team's 12 matches in the IPL this year.
Now, the selectors are said to have taken a cautious approach regarding Rohit's return to the Indian team. Both Kohli and Rohit have retired from both Tests and T20Is and play only ODIs now.
Even for MI in the IPL, Rohit plays mostly as an Impact Player and hence, isn't always fielding for the full 20 overs. The selectors now seem concerned about his ability to field for the full 50 overs in ODIs.
Due to the short turnaround between the IPL and the Afghanistan series, the selectors are also reported to be taking precautions over the return of ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah has had major injury troubles in the past, and the selectors are unlikely to risk him for this series with a limited-overs tour to England coming up next month.
Padikkal, Samson, Prince, and Auqib on the agenda
Apart from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, the selectors are reportedly set to discuss many other players as well.
As per reports, the selectors are considering a multitude of harsh calls. Many players' names have been floated for the two squads. The selectors seem to be considering Devdutt Padikkal for the No. 3 spot in Test cricket after being seemingly unsatisfied with incumbent Sai Sudharsan's inconsistency.
Similarly, the selectors are not happy with Rishabh Pant either. Sanju Samson is likely to replace Pant as the backup wicketkeeper in the ODI squad. KL Rahul is currently the first choice for India behind the stumps in 50-over cricket.
Shreyas Iyer was reported to take over as captain in both ODIs and T20Is, but that does not seem to be coming to fruition just yet.
Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is reportedly all set to earn his first call-up to the Test squad after playing a starring role in J&K's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph earlier this year. Mohammed Shami is also being touted for a return to the Test squad.
Pacer Prince Yadav is also likely to earn a call-up to the ODI squad after impressing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the IPL this year.
India vs Afghanistan series schedule
After the IPL Final on May 31, India will host Afghanistan for three ODIs and a Test match in June. The one-off Test will be held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, starting from June 6.
The ODIs, which both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play, will start on June 14. The first match will be held at Dharamsala, the second will be in Lucknow on June 17, and the third will be in Chennai on June 20.
Also Read: Mohammed Shami, Sanju Samson poised to return for Team India during Afghanistan series
