KL Rahul ruled out of third ODI as Shubman Gill makes three changes vs Afghanistan

KL Rahul will not play in India’s third ODI against Afghanistan on 19 July 2026 after Shubman Gill named an unchanged top order and three new faces in the XI.

What happened in the squad announcement?

Shubman Gill, the India captain, announced a squad for the third ODI against Afghanistan that omitted KL Rahul entirely. Gill kept Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer at the top while bringing in three new players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar. The move signals Gill’s intent to chase a series win with a fresh look at the batting order.

Why is KL Rahul not playing?

The omission of KL Rahul suggests Gill is prioritising youth and match-ups over experience at this stage. Rahul has been nursing a niggle and the surface in the second ODI-where India won by 36 runs-favoured quicker bowling. Gill may also be rotating the squad after two back-to-back games in three days, giving Jaiswal and Varma a run in the middle order.

What does this mean for India’s top order?

India’s top three now reads Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, with KL Rahul left out. The trio has already batted together in the first two ODIs, posting 187 and 220 in the first and second games. Jaiswal at four and Varma at five add firepower lower down, while Sundar’s bowling gives Gill an extra spinner in the middle overs.

What comes next for KL Rahul?

Rahul is expected to return for the next phase of India’s white-ball schedule, which includes the Asia Cup in September. The squad decision buys him extra recovery time before the marquee tournament. Meanwhile, India will target a 3-0 whitewash against Afghanistan to cap a strong home summer before the overseas tours begin.