The much-awaited three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan kicks off on June 13, 2026, at the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala. With Shubman Gill leading a young yet experienced side in the absence of Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, this promises to be an exciting contest as India begins its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Match details
- Date: June 13, 2026
- Time: Toss at 1:00 PM IST | Match starts at 1:30 PM IST
- Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
- Series: Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 – 1st ODI
Weather update: rain could play spoiler in Dharamshala
Dharamshala’s unpredictable weather is a major talking point. According to AccuWeather and local forecasts, there is a significant chance of rain during the afternoon:
- 1:00 PM: ~49% rain chance
- 2:00–3:00 PM: Up to 70% chance (peak risk period)
- After 4:00 PM: Rain probability drops sharply, with clearer conditions expected in the evening.
A delayed start or shortened match is possible, but the game could still go the full distance if showers are light and pass quickly. Fans in Himachal should prepare for a mix of excitement and weather interruptions.
Pitch report: balanced but pacers likely to get early help
The HPCA Stadium pitch is known for its lively nature. Early in the match, it assists fast bowlers with swing and seam movement due to overhead conditions and moisture. As the game progresses, the surface usually settles, offering good batting conditions and a fast outfield for big scores. Spinners can also get some grip in the middle overs.
Toss Factor: Winning the toss could be crucial. Teams might prefer to bowl first if clouds persist, leveraging the conditions for the new ball.
Also read: India dominates World Yogasana Championship 2026 with 102 gold medals
Team India : big absences & fresh opportunities
India will miss star batter Virat Kohli (hamstring injury from IPL) and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Shubman Gill takes over as captain, with Rohit Sharma returning to add experience at the top. This series gives a platform to uncapped and young talents like Prince Yadav, Harsh Dubey, Gurnoor Brar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
India’s probable playing 11
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan
- Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Prasidh Krishna
- Prince Yadav / Harsh Dubey.
Key players to watch: Shubman Gill’s leadership, Rohit’s opening firepower, and the spin of Kuldeep Yadav.
Afghanistan: dangerous spin attack
Afghanistan have grown rapidly as a white-ball side. Their strength lies in a potent spin attack led by Rashid Khan, supported by Mohammad Nabi and others. They also boast aggressive batters like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran.
Afghanistan’s probable playing 11
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Ikram Alikhil (wk)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- AM Ghazanfar
- Bilal Sami / Mohammad Saleem.
Head-to-Head Record: India dominate with 3 wins and 1 tie in 4 ODIs. Afghanistan are yet to register an ODI win against India but will be eyeing a historic upset on Indian soil.
HPCA stadium records
Dharamshala has hosted some high-scoring thrillers with its short boundaries and scenic backdrop. As a Himachal-based platform, we expect massive local support and tourism boost for this match. The beautiful mountain setting makes it one of India’s most picturesque venues.
Match prediction
India remain strong favorites due to depth and home conditions, but Afghanistan’s spinners and fighting spirit can make it competitive, especially if rain affects the game.
What to Expect: High-scoring potential if the weather holds, early swing for pacers, and plenty of drama from Rashid Khan vs Indian batters.
