India are ready to begin their preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup with a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan starting on Saturday in Dharamshala. However, India will start their preparation without batting maestro Virat Kohli, who has been ruled out of the ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury. Kohli's absence is undoubtedly a setback, but it presents an important opportunity for the selectors to test their options ahead of the global tournament.
Kohli has been a cornerstone of India's white-ball setup for more than a decade and carries vast experience that makes him an invaluable asset for the side in ODIs. Notably, Virat Kohli has retired from Tests and T20Is, but he has repeatedly expressed his desire to represent India at the ODI World Cup 2027.
In Kohli's absence, India have included Yashasvi Jaiswal in the squad. Apart from Jaiswal, India have Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul as viable alternatives. Meanwhile, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has asserted that the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan will be a good platform to test several batting combinations.
"Obviously a big miss, with Virat. He is one of the senior players in the team. The way he goes about his innings in that middle phase especially is something that we'll miss. Unfortunately, we can't control injuries and all of that. It's a new opportunity for somebody now in this series to go out and fulfil that role. And we're excited and looking forward to that," Morkel said at the pre-match press conference.
"In terms of that number three slot, that's something that in this series we'll play around with. Even if it's Ishan or KL or Yashasvi, it's a nice opportunity now. We've got a couple of one-day games coming up and we'll give guys opportunity in different slots."
"Just to give ourselves a better idea in terms of how we can go and structure the team and have different options," he said.
Morne Morkel also provided an update on Rohit Sharma's injury, saying the veteran batter is training well.
"He has passed all his fitness tests. He's cleared and ready to go. Even if there is a slight niggle, but I can assure you there's nothing wrong with Rohit. He's moving well and training well. So, excited to see," Morkel added.