India vs Afghanistan Live Score: India have already sealed the ODI series against Afghanistan with impressive wins in Dharamsala and Lucknow, but there is still a lot at stake in the third and final ODI to be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.

With a 2-0 lead in the bag, Shubman Gill’s side will aim to complete a clean sweep, while also continuing to evaluate their squad’s depth ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Team India focused on experiment
India entered the series with a clear objective of assessing their bench strength and this process is expected to continue in Chennai as well. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that changes would be made to the final eleven.

The series has already brought out many positives. Ishan Kishan took advantage of his opportunity and scored a explosive century while batting at number 4 in Lucknow. Captain Shubman Gill has continued his excellent form, scoring a brilliant 154 in the second ODI and proving equally effective at No. 3 in the absence of Virat Kohli.

Young fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has also impressed with his pace, bounce and ability to hit at awkward lengths, attributes that could prove valuable in South African conditions during the 2027 World Cup.

India are expected to give more chances to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is being pegged as a left-handed opening option and a possible backup to Rohit Sharma. Nitish Kumar Reddy, now fully fit after recovering from thigh pain, remains in the headlines as India look for an all-round solution in the absence of Hardik Pandya. Prince Yadav and Harsh Dubey are also likely to remain in contention as the team continues to evaluate its next generation of talent.

KL Rahul may be rested after the series win, which will open the way for Kishan to remain behind the stumps. Fast bowler Harshit Rana has also returned to the team after recovering from knee surgery.

Afghanistan eyes consolation win
For Afghanistan, the final ODI represents an opportunity to avoid a series whitewash and end the tour on a positive note. The visitors lost badly in Lucknow, where India posted a mammoth total of 402 runs after Afghanistan decided to bowl first. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi admitted after the defeat that his team was “not good enough” that day.

Afghanistan’s struggles have been largely due to an inconsistent batting lineup and the absence of key players. Experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi missed the second ODI due to a viral infection, while Azmatullah Omarzai was ruled out due to injury. If both pass their fitness test, they are expected to return for the series finale.

The visitors will once again rely heavily on their two biggest match-winners, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and star spinner Rashid Khan, to challenge a confident Indian team.

pitch and weather report
The match will be played on pitch number 4 at Chepauk, which is a red clay surface that traditionally provides good bounce and carry. While Chennai has long been known for spin-friendly conditions, recent matches have produced more batting-friendly tracks. However, as the game progresses, quality spinners like Rashid Khan can still achieve grip and variable bounce.

The weather is expected to be hot and humid, with temperatures hovering around 35 degrees Celsius. Although there is a slight chance of rain in the afternoon, conditions are expected to remain largely suitable for the entire match.

With the series already decided, India will continue to look forward towards the future, while Afghanistan will be looking for glory and a better performance in the final ODI.