India to Field Harshit Rana in Final ODI Against Afghanistan The third and final One Day International (ODI) match between India and Afghanistan, scheduled for June 20, 2026, at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium, will see a strategic change in the Indian bowling lineup. Arshdeep Singh, who has been a key player in the previous two matches, is expected to be rested, with Harshit Rana set to replace him. This decision comes after Arshdeep sustained an injury that has kept him sidelined for an extended period. India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, confirmed the inclusion of Rana in the final match, emphasizing the team’s focus on balancing performance and player welfare. “Our batting lineup is strong, and we want to ensure that key players get adequate rest,” he stated. The coach highlighted the importance of rotating bowlers to maintain freshness, particularly in a high-stakes match. The team’s strategy involves giving opportunities to players who have shown promise in earlier games. While Arshdeep’s absence is a setback, Rana’s inclusion is seen as a positive move. The coach also mentioned that the batting order will remain largely unchanged, with KL Rahul likely to open the innings. This decision allows Jaydev Unadkat to shift to a different position, ensuring a dynamic approach in the final match. India’s victory in the first two ODIs has put them in a strong position to clinch the series. However, the coach stressed the need to avoid complacency. “We need to focus on executing our game plan and giving every player a chance to contribute,” he added. The team’s management is also considering adjustments to the playing XI, aiming to test different combinations while maintaining the core strengths of the squad.#arshdeep_singh #harshit_rana #kl_rahul #ryan_ten_doeschate #chennai_chepauk_stadium
