India's assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak has provided an update on the fitness of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, who are awaiting clearance for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan after sustaining injuries during the IPL.
India begin their 2027 ODI World Cup preparations against Afghanistan with Rohit Sharma's fitness and Nitish Kumar Reddy's all-round abilities under scrutiny, while Shubman Gill continues to shape his leadership credentials.
India has maintained its number one position in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings after the annual update, though their lead over New Zealand has decreased. The update also saw South Africa climb to fourth place, overtaking Pakistan, and several other shifts in the lower ranks. India also leads the Men's T20I rankings, while Australia tops the Test and Women's ODI and T20I lists.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has replaced injured Virat Kohli in India's ODI squad for the Afghanistan series, with selectors hopeful the veteran batter will recover in time for the England tour next month.
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was on Wednesday ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after picking up a fresh quadriceps strain.
Harshit Rana returns to the Indian after regaining fitness even as Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to prove his ODI credibility as India look to sweep series against Afghanistan.
Afghanistan fielding coach John Mooney has urged his team's batters to focus on building longer innings and avoiding soft dismissals against India. He also called for bowlers to be more disciplined, while expressing hope for spin assistance from the Chennai pitch in the upcoming third ODI.
Nitish Reddy is set to be a key player to watch in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, as India looks to groom him as a potential successor or back-up for Hardik Pandya. His recent IPL performance showcased significant improvement in both batting and medium-pace bowling, making him a vital prospect for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz continued to bat and took Bangladesh home with an unbeaten 22, despite being hit on the head, during the 2nd ODI against Australia on Thursday.
Indian selection committee has advised Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill to prioritise red-ball and 50-over cricket until the 2027 ODI World Cup to manage his workload and ensure freshness for major ICC assignments, despite his strong IPL performance.
Sunil Gavaskar praised India's team-first approach and clinical chase against Afghanistan in the opening ODI, highlighting KL Rahul's selfless batting and the contributions of Nitish Kumar Reddy and debutant Gurnoor Brar. Former England spinner Graeme Swann warned of a tougher challenge in the second ODI in Lucknow due to Afghanistan's strong spin attack.
Ishan Kishan's recent good form makes him the ideal candidate to take over the crucial No 3 slot in Virat Kohli's absence.
Afghanistan relying on seasoned spin trio to script first ever win over India
Skipper Shubman Gill battled the oppressive heat and cramps to produce a magnificent 154 while Ishan Kishan ended a three-year wait for an ODI hundred as India beat Afghanistan by 170 runs in the second ODI to take 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match series, in Lucknow on Wednesday.
Bangladesh secured a landmark series victory over a second-string Australian side with a composed chase in a rain-affected second One-Day International in Dhaka on Thursday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest.
Bangladesh stunned Australia with an 86-run win via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in their opening one-day international in Dhaka on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan defeated Australia by four wickets in the third and final One-day International in Lahore, securing the series 2-1. Australia, batting first, were bowled out for 157, with Pakistan successfully chasing the target with 49 balls to spare, thanks to strong bowling performances and a steady knock from Babar Azam.
Pacer Gurnoor Brar impressed on his international debut before captain Shubman Gill played a regal knock to set up India's seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in the rain-hit series opener.
India opener and captain Shubman Gill revealed his ambition to score a double hundred in the second ODI against Afghanistan, where he made a masterful 154. He also shared his pre-series goal of batting for at least 40 overs and finishing matches. India secured a dominant 170-run victory, sealing the series, despite challenging conditions and cramps faced by players.
The 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup is provisionally scheduled to be held from October 4 to November 21 across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.
Australia will be without Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head and Tanveer Sangha for the ODI series against Bangladesh, with Josh Inglis taking over as captain and Todd Murphy, Ollie Peake and Matt Short called up as replacements.
Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar was more excited than under pressure on his India debut against Afghanistan and his first wicket settled the semblance of nerves, helping him walk away with a memorable outing in the rain-shortened first One-day International in Dharamsala.
India have rested Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya from the Ireland and England tours as selectors prioritise the pacer's role in the World Test Championship and Pandya's importance to India's ODI World Cup plans.
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury, a rare occurrence for the exceptionally fit batsman. The news comes amidst uncertainty over Rohit Sharma's full availability for the series, also due to a hamstring issue, sparking discussions about the future of both senior players in the ODI format.
Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying their experience and presence would make India a stronger side.
Having observed Rohit Sharma up close during his stint with Mumbai Indians, Afghanistan's rising spin star AM Ghazanfar is eager to put those learnings to the test when he takes on the Indian batting great in the upcoming ODI series.
Ishan Kishan's wicket-keeping drills ahead of the series opener suggested India could be considering a revised role for KL Rahul in the ODI setup.
Rahul to continue to bat down the order, Arshdeep could be rested, hints Ten Doeschate
Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead Afghanistan in the upcoming Test and ODI tour of India, while IPL star Allah Ghazanfar earns a call-up after his impressive season with Mumbai Indians.
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and senior batter Rohit Sharma have been cleared by the Sports Science team of BCCI's Centre of Excellence to participate in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting in Dharamsala on Sunday.
Shubman Gill praised pacer Gurnoor Brar and left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey for their impressive debuts in India's one-sided victory over Afghanistan in the rain-curtailed first ODI.
Pat Cummins has hinted at skipping IPL 2027 as Australia's packed schedule, including a Test series in India, the Ashes and the ODI World Cup, takes priority over franchise cricket.
Babar Azam returns to Pakistan's ODI squad for the Australia series, while Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the side in the three-match contest beginning May 30.
Cameron Green could take on a new ODI finishing role as Australia prepare for the post-Glenn Maxwell era, with coach Andrew McDonald backing the all-rounder's versatility ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Australian legend Ricky Ponting believes Indian superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are capable of playing until the ODI World Cup in 2027, citing their passion and determination.
Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will captain Australia in the upcoming one-day international series against Pakistan after regular skipper Mitchell Marsh was ruled out with an ankle injury.
India has retained their top position in the ICC men's ODI team rankings following the latest annual update, with Australia securing the third spot. The update impacts direct qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
England have widened their lead over reigning world champions India in the latest women's ODI rankings, sitting on a clear four-point lead at No. 2, while Harmanpreet Kaur's team are third in the list. Australia remain on top of the table with 163 ranking points.
Cricket Australia has confirmed that its players participating in the IPL 2026 will be allowed to fulfil their commitments, granting them exemption from the ODI series against Pakistan.
Pacer Harshit Rana has joined the Indian ODI squad for the final match against Afghanistan in Chennai after recovering from a knee injury. Rana, who underwent surgery in February, missed the T20 World Cup and IPL due to the ligament strain. India has already secured the series with a 2-0 lead.
