India reshuffles cricket leadership ahead of Afghanistan series
India has announced major leadership changes ahead of its upcoming series against Afghanistan. Shubman Gill will captain the ODI side, while KL Rahul takes over as Test vice-captain. The adjustments follow Rishabh Pant’s removal from both the ODI squad and his previous vice-captain role in Tests. The selectors have reshuffled key positions before the Afghanistan tour. Gill, already a regular opener, will now lead the 50-over team. Shreyas Iyer has been named his deputy for the three-match ODI series.
KL Rahul replaces Pant as Test vice-captain, marking a shift in the team’s hierarchy. Pant, once a central figure, has been dropped entirely from the ODI setup. Ishan Kishan steps in as his replacement behind the stumps.
Virat Kohli returns to the white-ball squad after a brief break, adding experience to the batting lineup. However, Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma’s participation remains uncertain, pending fitness assessments.
Ravindra Jadeja, a key all-rounder, has been rested for both the Test and ODI matches. The series begins with a one-off Test on June 6, followed by three ODIs starting June 14. The changes signal a new direction for Indian cricket under fresh leadership. Gill’s captaincy debut and Rahul’s elevated role will be tested in the Afghanistan series. Fitness updates on Pandya and Sharma will further shape the team’s final composition.
