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Rohit Sharma set to return as India face Afghanistan in dead rubber ODI

Published on: 20 Jun 2026, 04:51 AM

India are set to face Afghanistan in the third and final ODI of the series in Chennai on Saturday. With India already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead, the match is a dead rubber. Captain Rohit Sharma is expected to return to the top of the order after missing the previous game.

Rohit was rested for the second ODI, where his replacement Yashasvi Jaiswal scored only 4 runs. The team management may also make other changes. Pacer Harshit Rana, who has been added to the squad, is likely to make his ODI debut. Wicketkeeper KL Rahul could be rested, with Ishan Kishan expected to take the gloves.

Allrounder Nitish Reddy has recovered from illness and is fit and available for selection. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed on Friday that Reddy will get a game. These changes aim to give fringe players exposure while managing the workload of regulars.

The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India have won the first two ODIs convincingly, so the focus is on squad rotation and giving opportunities.

Source: Indian Express

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