IND vs AFG, 1st ODI: India Likely to Rotate Number Three Position in Kohli’s Absence, Says Morkel
Morne Morkel said India will test Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal at No. 3 as Virat Kohli misses the ODI series with a hamstring injury.
- Team India faces Afghanistan in the first ODI on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Dharamsala without Virat Kohli, whom bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed is ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
- With Kohli absent, Morkel plans to rotate players in the No. 3 slot, saying, "I think that's something that in this series we'll play around with, even if it's Ishan or KL or Yashasvi ."
- Interestingly, on Friday, Ishan donned the gloves during training while Rahul took outfield catches, suggesting the Karnataka batter could receive a promotion from his usual middle-order position.
- Rohit Sharma returns to the side for the series-opener, with Morkel welcoming the veteran captain and noting that Rohit is "excited to go" for the upcoming match.
- Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi feels confident his side's recent form in the 50-over format positions them to challenge India, stating, "So, it will be a good challenge between both teams.
12 Articles
12 Articles
IND vs AFG 1st ODI LIVE Score: Rain in Dharamsala delays toss, who will be India's number three?
India's preparations for the next ODI World Cup enter a significant phase as they take on Afghanistan in a three-match series. The first of the ODIs is being played in Dharamsala. Meanwhile, the series arrives at a crucial stage for both teams, with the next global tournament in the ODI format just a little more than a year away. For India, however, squad planning has been complicated by injuries and workload management concerns that have affe…
We'll Play Around No 3 Spot with Kishan, Rahul, Yashasvi: Morkel Ahead of India's ODI Series Against Afghanistan
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel said that the Men in Blue will "play around" the batting lineup's number three spot with Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal possibly getting a go in the role in the India vs Afghanistan three-match ODI series. Sports News | We'll Play Around No 3 Spot with Kishan, Rahul, Yashasvi: Morkel Ahead of India's ODI Series Against Afghanistan.
Well play around no 3 spot with Kishan, Rahul, Yashasvi: Morkel ahead of Indias ODI series against Afghanistan - The Tribune
Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel said that the Men in Blue will 'play around' the batting lineup's number three spot with Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal possibly getting a go in the role in the India vs Afghanistan three-match ODI series.
Morkel calls Virat Kohli's unavailability "big miss", says Rohit Sharma is "excited to go" for Afghanistan ODI series opener
Team India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, said the Men in Blue will miss the services Virat Kohli in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, after the legendary batter was ruled out of the home series due to a hamstring injury. Furthermore, Morkel welcomed another veteran, Rohit Sharma's comeback to the Indian side, saying that the latter is "excited to go" for the series-opener.
There are indications of several major changes ahead of the first ODI between India and Afghanistan. Following Virat Kohli's injury, KL Rahul could be tried at number 3, while Ishan Kishan could take over wicketkeeping duties. Young fast bowlers Prince Yadav and Gurnur Brar are also likely to make their debuts.
Rohit's fitness, Virat's replacement: Morkel spells out India's plans for Afghan ODIs
Speaking to the media on the eve of India's ODI series against Afghanistan in Dharamsala, bowling coach Morne Morkel dismissed concerns over Rohit Sharma's fitness and outlined the team's options to replace the injured Virat Kohli at No. 3.
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