IND vs AFG 2nd ODI: Yashasvi Jaiswal Opens With Rohit Sharma As India Ring In Three Changes Against Afghanistan

India made three changes to their playing XI for the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow, handing a debut to Prince Yadav while also bringing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kuldeep Yadav into the side.

The biggest talking point was Jaiswal’s inclusion at the top of the order alongside Rohit Sharma, with captain Shubman Gill moving down to his more familiar No. 3 position.

The move appears to be part of India’s continued squad rotation strategy as the management looks to expose as many players as possible to international conditions ahead of next year’s major ICC events. Jaiswal’s promotion also gives the team an opportunity to assess a potential backup opening combination without disrupting Gill’s long-term role.

Speaking at the toss, Gill confirmed the changes and revealed that Nitish Kumar Reddy had been ruled out due to a quad issue.

“Three changes: Prince debuts, Nitish had issues with his quad so he’s out and Kuldeep’s in, Jaiswal’s in,” Gill said.

Prince Yadav Makes India Debut

Lucknow Super Giants pacer Prince Yadav received his maiden India cap before the match and was immediately thrown into the playing XI.

The 23-year-old replaces Harsh Dubey in the side and adds another pace option to India’s attack as the team continues to evaluate its bowling depth.

With Prasidh Krishna, Harsh Dubey and Nitish Kumar Reddy all missing from the previous XI, India opted for a new-look attack featuring Prince, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar and Kuldeep Yadav.

Gill Hints At Challenge For Bowlers

India elected to bat first after losing the toss, despite Gill admitting he would have preferred to chase.

“We’d have bowled as well as we’re forced to play with five bowlers. It’s all about being in difficult situations and being able to chase down big scores and how we can be clinical with our bowling,” Gill said.

The captain’s comments highlighted the absence of a seam-bowling all-rounder, with Nitish’s injury forcing India to rely on a five-man bowling attack rather than their preferred balance.

India’s Playing XI vs Afghanistan

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav.

The match also marked Jaiswal’s first appearance of the series after missing India’s opening win, with the left-hander getting an opportunity to strengthen his case as a multi-format option ahead of a packed international calendar.