India have already clinched the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan with convincing victories in Dharamsala and Lucknow. Now, all eyes are on the dead rubber 3rd ODI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Shubman Gill’s side will look to complete a 3-0 whitewash while giving opportunities to fringe players and testing combinations ahead of bigger challenges.
Match Details
- Teams: India vs Afghanistan (3rd ODI)
- Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai
- Date & Time: June 20, 2026 | 1:30 PM IST (Day-Night)
- Series Status: India lead 2-0
Pitch & Weather Expectations
Chepauk’s red-soil pitch is expected to offer good bounce and assistance to both pacers and spinners as the match progresses. Batters who play spin well should enjoy the conditions, while the shorter boundaries could lead to high-scoring entertainment. Typical Chennai weather in June means hot and humid conditions—teams winning the toss might prefer to chase or assess the pitch first.
India’s Form & Strategy
India have dominated the series so far:
- 1st ODI (Dharamsala): Rain-affected win by 7 wickets.
- 2nd ODI (Lucknow): Dominant 170-run victory powered by Shubman Gill’s superb 154.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that India will make a few changes to the playing XI. The focus is on giving game time to squad members, resting key bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, and evaluating options like Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top. Harshit Rana has returned to the squad after rehabilitation and is likely to feature, boosting the pace attack.
Probable Playing XI for India:
- Rohit Sharma
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Ishan Kishan (wk) / KL Rahul
- Shreyas Iyer
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Harsh Dubey / Kuldeep Yadav
- Harshit Rana
- Gurnoor Brar / Prince Yadav
- (Arshdeep Singh rested)
India’s depth in all-rounders (Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar) and young pacers has impressed the coaching staff. This match is a perfect opportunity to fine-tune the squad.
Afghanistan’s Challenge
Afghanistan have struggled against a strong Indian side but possess match-winners like Rashid Khan, who can turn games with his wrist-spin. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will hope for improved batting performances from openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran.
Probable Playing XI for Afghanistan:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Azmatullah Omarzai / Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- AM Ghazanfar
- Mohammad Saleem Safi
- Bilal Sami / Others
Afghanistan will aim to avoid a whitewash and gain valuable experience against one of the world’s best limited-overs teams.
Key Players to Watch
- Shubman Gill (India): In red-hot form; his leadership and batting set the tone.
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): The biggest threat with the ball; expect fireworks if he gets a chance to bowl on a helpful pitch.
- Harshit Rana (India): Returnee—could make an impact with pace and bounce.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: Promising all-rounder getting more opportunities.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Eager to make a strong case at the top of the order.
Head-to-Head & Prediction
India have been overwhelmingly dominant in recent encounters. With the series in the bag, they can afford to experiment without pressure. Most experts predict another comprehensive Indian victory, though Afghanistan could spring surprises if their spinners click.
Prediction: India to win comfortably and complete a 3-0 sweep.
How to Watch
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar (Hotstar)
- TV: Star Sports Network
- Follow DD Sports TV for live updates, match highlights, and post-match analysis!
This final ODI promises exciting cricket as India continues its build-up toward future tournaments while giving youngsters valuable exposure. Stay tuned to DD Sports TV for full coverage, player stats, and more cricket content! 🏏
Article optimized for cricket fans in India. Share your predictions in the comments below—who do you think will shine in Chennai?
