Star all-rounder and vice-captain Hardik Pandya will lead the Indian national cricket team at home in the three-game ODI series against Afghanistan next month.

When IPL 2023 comes to an end, the players will be available for their national duties. However, according to reports in PTI, BCCI are likely to give all older players a break for the West Indies tour, including captain Rohit Sharma, former Indian captain Virat Kohli and bowling star Mohammed Shami.

The BCCI has named a strong team for the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) finals, which will be played against Australia at the Oval in London from 7 June. Rohit Sharma will lead the team in the second WTC final. India meets the Afghan team at home after the one-off friendly in England.

Afghanistan will travel through India for the first limited overs series, which is scheduled to take place between June 20th and 30th. BCCI will give skipper Rohit Sharma, ace-batter Virat Kohli and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami a break to keep them fresh ahead of the start of the West Indies tour in July and August.

Hardik Pandya, who is not participating in the WTC Finals, is expected to lead the second team. Hardik led the Indian team in the ODI format against Australia earlier this year in the absence of Rohit Sharma. The players who impressed in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 will be given a chance in the national team.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) President Mirwais Ashraf in India for the final of the IPL, there is a possibility that a meeting between the members of the Asian Cricket Council can be held, bringing both bodies (BCCI and ACB) together ) could finalize the further details.

Following the series, India will tour the West Indies from 12 July to 13 August for two Tests, a three-game ODI series and a three-game T20I series. Later on, the Men in Blue will play a three-game T20I series against Ireland. India has a hectic schedule ahead of the start of the 2023 ODI World Cup at home.

India will host the 13th edition of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 in October and November. The games in the 50-over format are of great importance given the mega event. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, will play Australia at home just before the main event in the Asia Cup and ODI series.