The toss for the opening ODI between India and Afghanistan has been delayed at the HPCA Stadium due to persistent rain. The match buildup has been affected by continuous rain in Dharamshala over the past days and on the eve of the game.
The start time of the match hinges on the venue’s drainage capacity post-rain. This three-match series is crucial for India’s journey to the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. India, led by Shubman Gill, will miss Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya due to injuries.
Rohit Sharma, after clearing his fitness test in Bengaluru, is set to open alongside Gill. The team management, in Kohli’s absence, is considering options for the number three position, with KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ishan Kishan in contention. The toss in Dharamshala is significant due to conditions favoring fast bowlers and the potential for a rain-affected game.
During the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, three out of five ODIs in Dharamshala were won by teams batting first. India holds a 3-0 record against Afghanistan in ODIs, with one match ending in a tie during the 2018 Asia Cup.
