- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,151,979
- Reaction score
- 59
India formally kick off their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup on Saturday when they face Afghanistan in the first of a three-match series at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.
Rohit Sharma makes his return after nursing a hamstring complaint during the IPL, having recovered just in time for this series. However, questions linger over whether the 39-year-old can sustain his fitness through the 25-odd ODIs that stand between now and the World Cup in South Africa in October-November 2027.
Virat Kohli also remains sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026.
The team management will also be watching Nitish Kumar Reddy closely as a potential long-term backup for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya, who is also unavailable for this series.
Rohit and Shubman Gill are expected to open the batting together, while the number three slot, vacated by Kohli, sets up an interesting selection battle between Ishan Kishan, who is making a comeback, and the in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Here, The Sporting News takes a look at the latest weather forecast for matchday, the likelihood of rain affecting the match, and what happens if the match does not proceed as planned.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
There are chances of rain in Dharamshala on Saturday during the afternoon; however, as evening approaches, the chances of rainfall completely disappear.
There is approximately a 49% chance of rain an hour before the game, but by evening, there is no chance of rain interrupting the game.
The meteorological department has issued an orange alert for June 12, warning of thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across parts of Himachal Pradesh.
A yellow alert covering June 13 to 16 flags the possibility of rain and lightning at isolated locations. Dharamshala has already seen gusty winds and a rain shower on Thursday afternoon
MORE: Visit Cricket News for all the latest cricket coverage and opinion
Let's take a look at the hourly temperatures and the probability of rainfall in Dharamshal on Saturday.
As per forecasts, there is a possibility of rain interrupting play in Dharamshala on Saturday afternoon.
If rain affects the India vs Afghanistan first ODI in Dharamshala, it might be delayed or shortened.
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method will be used to determine the target for a shortened match.
In case of a washed-out match, there are no reserve days, and the fixture will be abandoned.
MORE: IPL 2026 HPCA Stadium pitch report
The India vs Afghanistan first ODI will be played at HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
The match will start at 1:30 p.m. IST on Saturday, June 12, 2026.
Here's how to watch the India vs Afghanistan match in India:
The India vs Afghanistan will be available for live TV broadcast across Star Sports Network channels in India. Fans can also watch the live stream on the JioHotstar app and website.
India are the favourites to win this match at 1.13 on Dafa, while the odds for Afghanistan to win are 5.70.
* Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change.
Dafabet
BEST ODDS AND OFFERS
CLICK TO BET
Continue reading...
Rohit Sharma makes his return after nursing a hamstring complaint during the IPL, having recovered just in time for this series. However, questions linger over whether the 39-year-old can sustain his fitness through the 25-odd ODIs that stand between now and the World Cup in South Africa in October-November 2027.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR BET WITH DAFABET
Virat Kohli also remains sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026.
The team management will also be watching Nitish Kumar Reddy closely as a potential long-term backup for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya, who is also unavailable for this series.
Rohit and Shubman Gill are expected to open the batting together, while the number three slot, vacated by Kohli, sets up an interesting selection battle between Ishan Kishan, who is making a comeback, and the in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Here, The Sporting News takes a look at the latest weather forecast for matchday, the likelihood of rain affecting the match, and what happens if the match does not proceed as planned.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
Dharmashala weather forecast for the IND vs AFG ODI match
There are chances of rain in Dharamshala on Saturday during the afternoon; however, as evening approaches, the chances of rainfall completely disappear.
There is approximately a 49% chance of rain an hour before the game, but by evening, there is no chance of rain interrupting the game.
The meteorological department has issued an orange alert for June 12, warning of thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across parts of Himachal Pradesh.
A yellow alert covering June 13 to 16 flags the possibility of rain and lightning at isolated locations. Dharamshala has already seen gusty winds and a rain shower on Thursday afternoon
MORE: Visit Cricket News for all the latest cricket coverage and opinion
Let's take a look at the hourly temperatures and the probability of rainfall in Dharamshal on Saturday.
- 1:00 PM: 21°C (49% chance of rain)
- 2:00 PM: 20°C (70% chance of rain)
- 3:00 PM: 19°C (67% chance of rain)
- 4:00 PM: 21°C (40% chance of rain)
- 5:00 PM: 22°C (34% chance of rain)
- 6:00 PM: 23°C (22% chance of rain)
- 7:00 PM: 22°C (0% chance of rain)
- 8:00 PM: 21°C (0% chance of rain)
- 9:00 PM: 21°C (0% chance of rain)
- 10:00 PM: 20°C (0% chance of rain)
- 11:00 PM: 20°C (0% chance of rain)
Chances of rain interrupting play in Dharamshala:
As per forecasts, there is a possibility of rain interrupting play in Dharamshala on Saturday afternoon.
What happens if the IND vs AFG is stopped by rain?
If rain affects the India vs Afghanistan first ODI in Dharamshala, it might be delayed or shortened.
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method will be used to determine the target for a shortened match.
In case of a washed-out match, there are no reserve days, and the fixture will be abandoned.
MORE: IPL 2026 HPCA Stadium pitch report
What time does IND vs AFG ODI match start?
The India vs Afghanistan first ODI will be played at HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
The match will start at 1:30 p.m. IST on Saturday, June 12, 2026.
How to watch IND vs AFG ODI in India?
Here's how to watch the India vs Afghanistan match in India:
- TV channel: Star Sports Network channels
- Live stream: JioHotstar app and website
The India vs Afghanistan will be available for live TV broadcast across Star Sports Network channels in India. Fans can also watch the live stream on the JioHotstar app and website.
IND vs AFG: Betting odds
India are the favourites to win this match at 1.13 on Dafa, while the odds for Afghanistan to win are 5.70.
* Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change.
You must be registered for see images attach
Dafabet
BEST ODDS AND OFFERS
CLICK TO BET
Continue reading...
