India and Afghanistan are set to meet in the opening match of a three-game ODI series at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Saturday. Both teams have crossed paths in ICC tournaments over the years, but this marks the first-ever bilateral ODI series between them. For India, they are looking to regain consistency in the ODIs. Their recent ODI performances have been a mixed bag, making it difficult to build sustained momentum.

India endured a challenging tour of Australia, ending in a 2-1 series defeat; however, they had a successful home campaign against South Africa. But again, another setback followed when New Zealand claimed a 2-1 series win on Indian soil. The hosts will be without one of their most experienced batters, Virat Kohli, who has been ruled out of the series. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been drafted into the squad and could receive an opportunity.

Meanwhile, the return of veteran star Rohit Sharma strengthens India's top order. India's bowling attack will also have a different look, with premier fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj being rested. In their absence, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh are expected to shoulder greater responsibility with the ball. In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav is likely to play a central role as the team's lead spinner. In the middle-order, Shreyas Iyer will be the key.

Most importantly, India are reeling from the absence of Hardik Pandya. This creates a vital opportunity for Nitish Kumar Reddy to solidify his position in the team. Afghanistan, on the other hand, come with confidence soaring. Over the past year, they have had great success in ODIs. Their ongoing run of five consecutive bilateral series victories will give them huge confidence in challenging India.

Head-to-head

Matches - 4

IND won - 3

AFG won - 0

Tied - 1

India likely XI: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav/Gurnoor Brar

Afghanistan likely XI: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rashid Khan, Mohammad Saleem, AM Ghazanfar, Ziaur Rahman