India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI: India Take On Afghanistan; Match Date, Venue, Team News & Updates

India faces Afghanistan in the first One Day International (ODI) on June 13, 2026, with the squad missing key players Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya. According to reports from Mathrubhumi and Manorama Online, Pandya’s absence stems from a new leg injury, while Kohli is also unavailable for the opening match of the series.

The Indian team enters the June 13 fixture dealing with significant roster disruptions. Manorama Online reports that Hardik Pandya has suffered a setback due to a new injury in his leg, which has forced his exclusion from the squad. Mathrubhumi confirms that Pandya joins Virat Kohli on the list of absent players, describing the situation as a blow to the Indian side.

Why is Hardik Pandya missing the first ODI?

Hardik Pandya is unavailable for the June 13 match because of a leg injury. Manorama Online specifies that this is a new injury, indicating a fresh setback for the all-rounder. While Mathrubhumi reports the exclusion generally as a loss for the team, Manorama Online provides the specific detail regarding the location of the injury.

Pandya’s absence removes a primary bowling option and a critical lower-order batting presence from the Indian lineup. This forced change requires the team to find an alternative balance between their specialist batsmen and bowlers for the series opener.

Who will bat at number three in Virat Kohli’s absence?

The Indian team management is currently determining who will occupy the number three position for the June 13 match. Asianet News Malayalam reports that the team is considering KL Rahul as a primary option, though other candidates remain under discussion.

According to Asianet News Malayalam, the team coach has provided “crucial hints” regarding the selection for this role. The decision is a priority for the management because the number three spot is traditionally anchored by Virat Kohli, whose absence creates a tactical void in the top order.

What are the key matchups for the India vs Afghanistan series?

The match on June 13 will feature a confrontation between India’s adjusted batting order and Afghanistan’s core bowling attack. Afghanistan relies heavily on the leg-spin of Rashid Khan and the leadership of captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.

The loss of Hardik Pandya specifically impacts India’s ability to counter Afghanistan’s spin-heavy approach, as Pandya often provides the power-hitting required to disrupt Rashid Khan’s rhythm in the middle overs.

How do the reports differ on India’s squad updates?

Reporting on the Indian squad varies slightly across outlets. Manorama Online focuses on the medical specifics of Hardik Pandya’s condition, citing a new leg injury. Mathrubhumi frames the news within the broader context of team losses, grouping Pandya’s injury with Virat Kohli’s absence to highlight the overall impact on the squad’s strength.

Meanwhile, Asianet News Malayalam shifts the focus toward tactical adjustments and coaching decisions, specifically the debate over the number three batting position, rather than focusing solely on the injury reports.

The combined reporting from these sources establishes three primary developments for the June 13 match:

• Hardik Pandya is out due to a leg injury, according to Manorama Online.
• Virat Kohli is absent from the squad, according to Mathrubhumi.
• The team is deciding between KL Rahul and other options for the number three spot, according to Asianet News Malayalam.