The national selectors didn’t rest Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, giving preference to game time over workload management. The panel led by Ajit Agarkar had a detailed discussion regarding the availability of the legendary players. While there were talks about giving the two a break, the decision-makers thought that game time was more crucial since both only play the fifty-over format after retiring from T20 cricket and the Test format.

India will host Afghanistan for a one-off red-ball game and three one-day internationals in the first two weeks of June. The Test will start in New Chandigarh on June 6, the ODI series will be conducted in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai between June 14 and 20.

They also wanted the young players to get to know the two legends closely, as team bonding plays a key role in the success of the team. The games will also allow the team management to monitor the performances and fitness of both seniors.

Despite their track record and performance over the years, the selectors are not ready to confirm their place in the 2027 World Cup squad, and the doors are open to all the contenders. No player has been assured of a place, and the selection will depend on form and fitness.

Virat Kohli recently spoke against the idea of proving himself again to justify his place in the team. He is ready to quit if he is forced to continue in this type of environment after giving everything.

“I am very clear about my place in the team. If I can add value to the environment that I am a part of, and the environment feels like I can add value, I will be seen.  If I am made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I’m not in that space. I am honest about my preparations,” Kohli said. I am being honest about how I approach the game. I put my head down. I work hard. I am very thankful to God for giving me everything that I have been given in my cricketing career. And I feel very blessed and grateful for the opportunity. And when I arrive to play, I put my head down.”

Virat has been giving his best for a long time, and he was the best batter in the bilateral assignments against the visiting South Africa and New Zealand teams. He led the batting charts and played a key role for the Men in Blue. He is also at his peak when it comes to fitness, and his fielding continues to win matches.

The right-hander is currently representing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League 2026 and has amassed over 500 runs. The defending champions have already qualified for the playoffs, and Kohli’s consistency has been a big factor behind the impressive run of the team.

INDIA SQUAD FOR AFGHANISTAN ODI SERIES

Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey.