IND vs AFG 2026: India's probable playing XI against Afghanistan

Middle-order: KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey/Washington Sundar

KL Rahul has become an extremely dependable batter for the Indian team in the middle order. Despite batting at the top in the early part of his career, Rahul has shaped himself into someone who can give solidarity in the middle in case of an early collapse, while also showing the courage to build the innings forward after being given a set platform.

Apart from him, India will have to rely on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who gives a handy batting option added with his right-arm pace. A couple of spin-bowling options have also emerged, but only one among Washington Sundar and Harsh Dubey might eventually take the field. Dubey has yet to make his debut, while Sundar is the only off-spin option for the Men in Blue, and only one of them might be seen in the XI.