3 bold experiments India can make in the final ODI against Afghanistan

India have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The Indian batting has been far superior to that of the Afghans, and the young bowling attack has also made a mark. With a lot of cricket coming up for the Men in Blue, including the T20I series in Ireland and England and the Asian Games competition, expect a few players to be rested for the third and final ODI, which will be played at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, June 20.

Let’s take a look at three experiments that India can do, which will give opportunities to certain players to showcase their skills at the international level.

3 bold experiments India can make in the final ODI against Afghanistan:

3. Unleash Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana is all set to join the Indian team ahead of the third ODI. He missed the T20 World Cup and the subsequent IPL this year after undergoing knee surgery. As per reports, Harshit has worked very hard on his batting and when in rhythm, he can consistently touch 145 kmph with the ball. If the medical team feels he is fit enough to play right away, it won’t be a bad idea to slot him into the playing XI. With all-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar already in the side, the Delhi speedster won’t have to push too hard to finish his full quota of overs.

2. Give Nitish Kumar Reddy 10 overs

Nitish Kumar Reddy missed the second ODI due to a sore left thigh. If the Andhra Pradesh all-rounder recovers in time for the third ODI, he should return to the side, as he is high on confidence, having improved his bowling considerably in the last few months. After an impressive stint in IPL 2026, Reddy bowled brilliantly in the first ODI. His yorker to castle a well-set Rahmanullah Gurbaz could end up being the best ball of the series. If the 23-year-old is fit, he should bowl his full quota of 10 overs. India could also promote him up the order and let him showcase his batting talent in 50-over cricket.

1. Bring back Harsh Dubey

Harsh Dubey was a part of India’s squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, but Manav Suthar got the nod ahead of him. The left-arm spinner made his international debut in the first ODI against Afghanistan in Dharamsala. Despite bowling with a wet ball for most of his spell and having to deal with a rampaging Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Dubey made his mark. He picked up three wickets, despite conceding 47 runs in five overs. However, it was surprising to see him making way for Kuldeep Yadav in the second ODI. The inconsequential third game could be used as an opportunity by the Indian team management to take a look at the 23-year-old’s skills once again and groom him for the future.