Indian ODI Squad Adds Harshit Rana for Afghanistan Series The Indian cricket team has included fast bowler Harshit Rana in its squad for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan. Rana, who had been sidelined due to a severe injury, has returned to full fitness and is set to play in the crucial third and final match of the series. The game is scheduled to take place at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on June 19, 2026. Rana’s inclusion comes after a significant recovery period following a major injury to his right leg. The injury, sustained during the T20 World Cup preparation matches, required surgery, which kept him out of the T20 World Cup and the IPL 2026 tournament. After undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, Rana has regained his full fitness and is now part of the Indian team’s preparations for the Afghanistan series. The Indian team, which has already secured a 2-0 victory in the first two ODIs against Afghanistan, is looking to clinch the series and put pressure on the Afghan team. Rana’s addition to the squad adds depth to the bowling attack, particularly as the series enters its final stage. His return is seen as a positive development for the team, with fans eagerly anticipating his performance in the decisive match. Rana’s inclusion in the squad also marks his return to competitive cricket after a prolonged absence. He was part of the Indian team for the T20 World Cup but missed the tournament due to the injury. Following his recovery, he was added to the squad for the upcoming T20 series against Ireland and England, as well as the Afghanistan ODI series.#t20_world_cup #indian_cricket_team #harshit_rana #m_a_chidambaram_stadium #afghanistan_series
Virat Kohli Replaced by Yashasvi Jaiswal in India's Afghanistan Series India’s cricket selectors have announced the inclusion of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in the squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan, replacing the injured Virat Kohli. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed the decision, stating that Jaiswal will occupy Kohli’s spot due to the latter’s ongoing recovery from a thigh muscle injury. The announcement comes as Kohli, who suffered the injury during the IPL 2026 final, is expected to miss the series but may return for the subsequent England tour in July. Jaiswal, 21, has been selected for his recent form, highlighted by a stunning century against South Africa in his last ODI. The 116-run innings, not out, showcased his potential as a reliable opener, making him a strong contender for the spot. The selectors emphasized that Jaiswal’s inclusion is a strategic move to balance the team’s batting order, especially with key players like Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya still recovering from their own injuries. Rohit Sharma, the team’s captain, and Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder, are both undergoing rehabilitation after sustaining injuries during the IPL. Sharma, who suffered a thigh strain, is currently at the BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, while Pandya, dealing with a hamstring injury, is also in the same facility. Their fitness status will play a crucial role in determining the final squad for the Afghanistan series. If both players are not fully fit, the selectors may consider additional changes to the team composition. The three-match ODI series against Afghanistan is scheduled to begin on June 13 at the Dharamshala venue, with the subsequent matches set for June 17 in Lucknow and June 20 in Chennai.#ipl_2026 #virat_kohli #yashasvi_jaiswal #ajit_agarkar #afghanistan_series
Sanjay Manjrekar Criticizes BCCI's Selection Decision for Afghanistan Series The BCCI's selection committee faced sharp criticism from former India captain Sanjay Manjrekar after omitting young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal from the squad for the upcoming one-day series against Afghanistan. Manjrekar questioned the decision to retain 39-year-old Rohit Sharma as the opener despite Jaiswal's recent stellar performance, arguing that the choice was unjust and lacked logical reasoning. Manjrekar highlighted that Jaiswal, who scored an unbeaten 116 in his last one-day innings, was left out despite his exceptional form and fitness. He accused the committee of favoring an older player over a younger, more dynamic talent, emphasizing that Jaiswal's exclusion was a "mistake" that needed to be addressed. The former commentator also demanded that the selectors apologize to Jaiswal, suggesting that any pressure to include Rohit Sharma should have been accompanied by a gesture of goodwill toward the young cricketer. The controversy centers on the BCCI's strategy for the 2027 World Cup, with Manjrekar questioning whether the organization's long-term plans justify prioritizing experience over potential. He argued that Jaiswal, at just 24 years old, represents the future of Indian cricket and deserves more opportunities to showcase his talent. Manjrekar also raised concerns about the lack of clarity in the selection process, noting that the committee's decision to favor Rohit Sharma over Jaiswal seemed arbitrary and lacked a coherent rationale. Manjrekar further criticized the committee for sidelining Jaiswal, who has been in exceptional form recently, and instead opting for a senior player whose fitness and performance have been questioned.#bcci #rohit_sharma #yashasvi_jaiswal #sanjay_manjrekar #afghanistan_series
