- By Sunny Daud
- Thu, 21 May 2026 07:38 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India’s selection committee has decided not to rest Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, choosing instead to give both senior players more match practice and keep the squad together.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection panel reportedly had detailed discussions about whether the two veterans should be rested after a long IPL 2026 season. Early conversations were in favour of giving them a break, but the selectors later felt that regular game time would be more useful, especially because both players now play only one format of international cricket.
India's schedule against Afghanistan
India are set to host Afghanistan for a one-off Test match and a three-match ODI series in June. The Test will begin in New Chandigarh on June 6, while the ODI matches will be played in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai between June 14 and 20.
The selectors also believe the series will help younger players spend more time with experienced stars like Rohit and Kohli as India continue to build a new-look squad. The team management will also closely watch the fitness and form of both senior batters during the series.
No guaranteed spot for anyone in the ODI World Cup 2026
According to an IndiaToday source close to the team, no player is guaranteed a permanent place in the squad as preparations for the next ODI World Cup continue. Selections will depend mainly on current form and fitness.
Kohli on whether he wants to play ODI World Cup 2026?
Recently, Kohli spoke openly about his future in international cricket and said he does not want to continue playing in an environment where he constantly has to prove himself.
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“My perspective is very clear. If I can add value to the environment that I am a part of and the environment feels like I can add value, I will be seen. If I am made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I'm not in that space. Because I am being honest to my preparation,” Kohli said on the RCB Podcast.
“I am being honest to how I approach the game. I put my head down. I work hard. I am very thankful to God for giving me everything that I have been given in my cricketing career. And I feel very blessed and grateful for the opportunity. And when I arrive to play, I put my head down.”
One of the biggest discussions during the selection meeting was about the middle-order and wicketkeeper spots, especially between Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson.
Why was Ishan Kishan picked in India's ODI squad?
In the end, the selectors picked Ishan Kishan because of his ODI record and attacking style of batting. The panel believes his aggressive approach could be very useful on the fast and bouncy pitches in South Africa during the next World Cup.
At the same time, the selectors made it clear that Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad are still very much part of India’s future plans and remain strong options for upcoming international assignments.