India are set to begin a new chapter in their ODI journey when they take on Afghanistan in a three-match series starting in Dharamsala. While the immediate focus remains on securing a positive result against a rapidly improving Afghanistan side, the team management is also keeping one eye on the future as preparations continue for bigger challenges ahead.
With several young players earning opportunities and a number of senior stars returning to the setup, the series presents a valuable opportunity for India to assess the depth of their squad. Ahead of the opening ODI, bowling coach Morne Morkel offered insights into the team’s wider plans and highlighted some of the areas being closely monitored by the coaching staff.
Morne Morkel highlights India’s long-term vision
Speaking to the media on the eve of the first ODI, Morkel revealed that India’s planning extends well beyond the Afghanistan series. With the 2027 ODI World Cup set to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the team management is keen to develop a larger pool of fast bowlers capable of thriving in conditions that traditionally favour pace and bounce.
Young pacers Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar are among the players who could benefit from those opportunities. Both impressed during domestic cricket and earned places in the squad after consistent performances. Morkel was particularly pleased with the way the two young fast bowlers have settled into the national setup. Despite joining a star-studded dressing room, both players have shown confidence and composure during training sessions.
“That’s definitely part of our thinking and our vision – to give ourselves options for that World Cup in South Africa. Morkel said. It’s good for Indian cricket that we give guys opportunities under pressure against good opposition and see what they can do. Luckily we’ve got two guys now in Prince and Gurnoor in our squad. I’m pretty sure Gautam will give those guys opportunities and see how they go in the Indian shirt. It’s different playing international cricket with that Indian badge. My first impressions, it is sort of almost like I felt they’d been part of the squad for five years. I saw no nervousness in their faces, although I can imagine coming into this squad they would be pretty nervous” Morkel said.
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Positive update on Rohit Sharma’s fitness
Morkel also moved to end speculation regarding the fitness of Rohit Sharma after the veteran batter was spotted wearing a specialised thigh guard during training. The Indian opener had suffered a hamstring injury during IPL 2026, leading to concerns about his availability for the Afghanistan series. However, Morkel confirmed that Rohit has successfully completed all fitness assessments and is fully fit for selection.
“I don’t think there’s any issue. He’s passed all his fitness tests. He’s cleared and ready to go. Obviously, the balls are coming at high speeds, and you want to protect yourself, even if there’s a slight niggle. But I can assure you there’s nothing wrong. Rohit is moving well and training well. So excited to see him go. Always nice to have his experience back as well. Just the calmness that he brings to the dressing room is always a positive to have. He’s training well, he’s moving well. So, I know that he’s also excited to go,” Morkel said.
With India balancing experienced stars and emerging talent, the Afghanistan ODI series could provide valuable answers as the team begins its journey towards the next major ICC event.
