India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has dismissed concerns about any problems as Rohit Sharma prepares to return to cricket. Three match ODI series against AfghanistanWhich will start in Dharamshala on 13th June. The former fast bowler also hinted that India will use the series to give chances to their in-form batsmen, with three players potentially getting a chance to fill Virat Kohli’s No. 3 spot during the series.

India will begin the final phase of their 18-month preparations for the ODI World Cup Likely to be held between October 1 and November 21 In South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The team will go into the series without some of its big names, including the rested Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli, who were injured during the IPL final.

There were also concerns over Rohit Sharma’s availability after he suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 season, having featured in several matches for Mumbai Indians as an impact player. However, Rohit passed the BCCI fitness test in time and joined the team.

According to reporters, fresh concerns emerged after the star batsman trained in Mohali wearing slightly different-looking thigh pads, which provided extra protection around the injured hamstring area. However, Morkel dismissed any such concerns and insisted the 38-year-old is fit and ready to go.

Incidentally, Rohit was among the first players to walk out for batting practice on the eve of the first ODI at the beautiful HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.

Asked about the thigh pads, Morkel said, “I didn’t even pay attention to it.”

He said, “It shows that I don’t think there is any problem. He has passed all his fitness tests. He has passed and is ready to go. Obviously, the balls are coming at a fast pace and you want to protect yourself, even if there is a little bit of trouble. But I can assure you there is nothing wrong. Rohit is progressing well and training well. Very excited to see him go.”

“It’s always good to have his experience back. The calmness he brings to the dressing room is always positive. He’s been training well, he’s progressing well. So I know he’s excited to go too.”

Who will bat in place of Kohli?

Meanwhile, Morkel hinted that Virat Kohli’s vacant No. 3 spot could become a revolving door for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has replaced the former skipper as well as KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan in the team.

Incidentally, Kishan was wearing the gloves during training on the eve of the first ODI, while KL Rahul, who usually bats at No. 5, may be promoted up the order.

With ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer also in the mix, India’s batting unit looks more capable despite Kohli’s absence.

“In terms of that number three slot, it is something we will play with in this series. Be it Ishan or KL or Yashasvi, it is a good opportunity now. We have some one-day matches coming up and we will give people a chance in different slots.

“Just to give ourselves a better idea of ​​how we can move forward and structure the team and have different options,” the former South African fast bowler said.

India will also have Nitish Kumar Reddy in the lower middle order, with the all-rounder expected to help fill the void of Hardik Pandya, who was ruled out of the ODI series due to injury.

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