India will host Afghanistan in the third and final ODI of the series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday (June 20). Having already won the series 2-0, the Men in Blue are now aiming to whitewash the visiting team. India kicked off the series with a seven-wicket win in Dharamsala. They followed up with a big 170-run win in Lucknow. India won the one-off Test and they are undefeated in the series so far. The selection committee has added Harshit Rana to the ODI team before the final game of the series.
Harshit, who hasn’t played competitive cricket since February, looks set to be part of the playing XI in the third ODI. He suffered a knee injury during the warm-up game against South Africa and was ruled out of the T20 World Cup. Ahead of the third ODI, here we have a look at India’s likely playing XI for the fixture –
openers
Rohit Sharma is set to open the innings once again. He is likely to face the new ball with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who opened the innings in the second ODI. It was Jaiswal’s first ODI outing since his century in the third ODI against South Africa in December 2025. He had scored a century in that game.
middle-order
Shubman Gill is likely to bat at number 3 once again. The India captain slammed 154 off just 110 balls in the second game. Ishan Kishan, who scored 125 in the third ODI, is likely to bat at number four. Shreyas Iyer will follow him. KL Rahul will do the wicketkeeping and bat at number six.
All-rounders
Harshit Rana looks all but set to play the third ODI. A right-arm pacer, Harshit can also contribute with the bat if needed. He is part of the T20I squad for the Ireland and England series. He will also travel to Japan for the Asian Games. Washington Sundar is likely to be the second all-rounder in the team. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who missed the second game due to a sore thigh, could miss the third game as well.
Bowlers
Arshdeep Singh could be rested for the fixture and make way for Harshit. Kuldeep Yadav and Prince Yadav look set to retain their spots in the final XI. Prince made his debut in the second ODI. Gurnoor Brar will continue to bowl with the new ball.
India’s likely playing XI for 3rd ODI vs Afghanistan: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav.
