KL Rahul shines as India prepares for Afghanistan ODI series
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 11:03 AM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
India takes on Afghanistan in a crucial ODI series, with the second match scheduled at Ekana Stadium on June 17. KL Rahul has emerged as a key player, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in various batting roles. His performances, including a century in a recent Test and a swift 39 not out in the first ODI, have bolstered his position in India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. As the team evaluates combinations and roles, Rahul's ability to manage innings tempo is seen as vital. The ODI series serves as an important step in building towards the World Cup.
- •India faces Afghanistan in the second ODI on June 17.
- •KL Rahul has excelled as a middle-order option in ODI cricket.
- •He scored 39 not out in the first ODI and a century in a recent Test.
- •The series is crucial for assessing team combinations and player roles.
- •Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 100 showed Afghanistan's potential to challenge India.
- 11:03 AMYahoo Sports — IND vs AFG: Versatile KL Rahul key to India's 2027 ODI World Cup plans
"The ODI series against Afghanistan serves as an early indicator for India's 2027 World Cup preparations, with KL Rahul emerging as a key middle-order option. His adaptability and ability to accelerate or consolidate innings provide crucial flexibility, making him an important asset regardless of his batting position or wicketkeeping duties.
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