The series is in the bag for India, but there’s still some point to be made in this last outing in Chennai. The 2-0 up side will be out for the sweep on the 20th. As for where to watch: it’s all on JioHotstar if you’re on your device, or Star Sports Network on the telly. Don’t be surprised by some urgency from either side.
Momentum meets history in Chennai
It’s an old record for Afghanistan – they have yet to get over the line against India in an ODI – and they are keen to put that right. India, for their part, would like to see a spotless 3-0 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, a place where you need to be cool and have your head in the game.
They’ve put together a bit of a buffer with some different kinds of victories. There was the 7-wicket win in Dharamsala after a rain-affected day when they were 195 off. Then in Lucknow they put 170 runs on the board. It shows a side that can put its foot down when given the chance.
Gill’s leadership, Kishan’s spark, Rohit’s intent
Gill has been the one to set the pace and close it out. He was unputdown on 84 in the first chase, then put up his 9th ODI ton in the second. In many ways, he’s used this to put his stamp on the captaincy.
Then you have Ishan Kishan. His hundred in Lucknow was more than just numbers; it opened up the scoring and had to be bowled to. And Rohit Sharma, who has been around in both games, will be looking to make his mark before the harder work in England.
How to watch India vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI
There are two obvious options for the fans. We are talking live stream on the JioHotstar app or site. If you prefer the television, the Star Sports Network has it covered in India.
You do need to be a paying JioHotstar subscriber to get in. The toss is an hour and a half before play, though we don’t have the exact start time on file as of now.
Here is the lowdown for a quick look:
– Stream it on the JioHotstar app/website
– Or catch it on Star Sports on TV
– A subscription is in order for the app
– Toss is 30 minutes prior
Venue, date, timing and what follows
We are heading to the MA Chidambaram in Chennai for the 3rd ODI on the 20th. It’s the CSK home for a reason. The schedule doesn’t give us a time for the match, but the toss is fixed for a half-hour before.
India won’t be seeing any more ODIs until they are in Ireland and England, so there is some selection to be done. They’ve even brought in Harshit Rana, who has been out of the picture since the 2026 T20 World Cup, to have another fast-bowling option on hand.
For Afghanistan, the story is straightforward. They want to end the drought and will be in the hands of Shahidi and their all-rounders to rattle India. Chennai is a ground for those in control, so they have a way in.
India have been about being on top of things. Good starts, a middle order to keep the pressure on, and bowlers to make you pay. The 170-run margin in Lucknow was the plan; let’s see if they can do it again to a team that wants to make a point of it.
It will come down to the powerplay and the spin in the middle. If Gill and Kishan are in form, they will have the reins. If the visitors make an early break, it’s a different ballgame. One thing is for sure: the broadcast is ready and the stakes are high.
