India Eye Clean Sweep vs Afghanistan, But All Eyes on Jaiswal, Rahul and Harshit Rana in Final ODI

Team India will walk into Chennai on Saturday with one clear mission — complete a dominant 3-0 clean sweep against Afghanistan.

But beyond the result, the third and final ODI carries much bigger significance for several Indian players, especially Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and returning pacer Harshit Rana.

With India already sealing the series 2-0, the spotlight now shifts from winning to selection battles and individual performances.

Big Test for Yashasvi Jaiswal

Perhaps no player has more at stake than Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The young opener returned to India’s ODI setup for the first time since December 2025, but his comeback hasn’t gone as planned so far. In the second ODI in Lucknow, he managed just 4 runs, missing a golden chance to cement his place.

His last ODI outing before this series saw him score a stunning unbeaten 116 against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, but the competition at the top has become even tougher.

The return of Ishan Kishan, who smashed a brilliant century in Lucknow, has only intensified the battle.

Captain Shubman Gill even pushed himself down to No. 3 to accommodate Jaiswal, but that arrangement may not last.

With Virat Kohli expected to return from injury soon and reclaim the No. 3 spot, Jaiswal knows opportunities are limited.

A big knock in Chennai could be crucial, especially with India’s ODI squad for the England tour set to be announced soon.

KL Rahul’s New Challenge

For KL Rahul, the issue is less about selection and more about role clarity.

Traditionally, Rahul has thrived at No. 5, where he has scored 1517 runs in 38 matches at an average of 63.2, including three centuries.

But with Shreyas Iyer back in the setup and Kishan occupying the middle order, Rahul has increasingly been pushed down to No. 6.

His numbers there remain decent — 332 runs in 15 matches at an average of 41.5 — but the challenge is different.

Batting lower means fewer balls, less time, and more pressure to accelerate instantly.

Chennai will be another important test of how quickly Rahul can adapt.

Harshit Rana Set for Return?

India have made a late addition to the squad by bringing back Harshit Rana, who has completed rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

The young pacer could replace Arshdeep Singh, who has already featured in both ODIs.

Rana’s inclusion is significant as India prepares for upcoming tours of Ireland and England, where the team management will want to assess his match fitness.

His return also strengthens India’s lower-order batting options, especially in the absence of the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy.

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Gurnoor Brar Continues to Impress

While Harshit’s return is a talking point, Gurnoor Brar has quietly emerged as one of India’s biggest positives this series.

The debutant has impressed with the ball in both matches, and selectors may want to continue testing him in different conditions.

Afghanistan Playing for Pride

For Afghanistan, the final ODI is about salvaging pride.

The visitors have been comprehensively outplayed in both matches and will be desperate to end the tour on a stronger note.

Despite flashes of brilliance from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan’s batting and bowling units have struggled to match India’s depth.

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will expect a much stronger response in Chennai.

What’s at Stake?

For India, the result may not change the series outcome — but performances certainly will.

For Jaiswal, it could shape his immediate ODI future.

For Rahul, it’s another chance to redefine his role.

For Harshit Rana, it might be the beginning of his comeback story.

And for Afghanistan, it’s the final chance to show they can still fight.