India's preparations for the future received a timely boost as two debutants delivered memorable performances in a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the opening One-Day International in Dharamsala on Saturday.

A delayed start due to rain reduced the contest to 25 overs per side, transforming it into a high-intensity encounter that demanded quick decision-making and aggressive cricket. While the shortened format created opportunities for batters to attack from the outset, it also provided young players with a chance to make an immediate impact.

The match ultimately belonged to India's captain Shubman Gill and newcomers Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey.

The two debutants impressed with three wickets each, while Gill produced a composed and elegant unbeaten innings to steer India to victory with more than two overs to spare.

Afghanistan had threatened to take control of the contest thanks to an extraordinary display from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

The wicketkeeper-batter launched a stunning assault on the Indian bowlers, racing to 102 runs from just 51 deliveries. His innings was filled with aggressive strokeplay and gave the spectators in Dharamsala plenty to cheer.

Gurbaz's attacking approach was ideally suited to the shortened game.

Knowing that every over carried increased importance, he attacked from the beginning and consistently found the boundary.

His century propelled Afghanistan to a competitive total of 194, a score that appeared capable of testing India on a pitch that still offered assistance to the bowlers.

However, India's young attack had already laid the foundation for the successful chase.

Tall left-arm pacer Gurnoor Brar made an immediate impression on his international debut.

Standing at nearly six feet five inches, Brar generated bounce and awkward angles that troubled Afghanistan's batters.

Opening the bowling alongside Arshdeep Singh, the youngster displayed maturity and control that belied his lack of international experience.

Brar struck early by dismissing Ibrahim Zadran with only his fifth delivery in international cricket.

He had initially tested the batter with deliveries that moved away before cleverly adjusting his length and forcing a mistake.

The breakthrough provided India with momentum and boosted the confidence of the debutant.

Brar continued to trouble Afghanistan's batting order throughout his spell.

His pace and ability to extract extra bounce allowed him to claim two additional wickets and finish with impressive figures of 3 for 27.

His performance attracted praise from several former players and observers.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin described Brar's display as highly impressive and suggested the youngster had justified the selectors' faith in his abilities.

Brar was not the only newcomer to seize the opportunity.

Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey also enjoyed a memorable debut despite proving slightly expensive at times.

The spinner consistently attacked the stumps and was rewarded with three wickets of his own.

While Afghanistan's batters managed to score against him, Dubey demonstrated composure and a willingness to continue searching for breakthroughs.

For India, the performances of Brar and Dubey were particularly encouraging given the long-term planning already underway for the 2027 World Cup.

The management is expected to use the coming months to identify players capable of becoming integral parts of the next generation.

Both debutants took an important first step in strengthening their credentials.

Afghanistan's innings, however, remained largely defined by the brilliance of Gurbaz.

The opener later revealed that a conversation with India head coach Gautam Gambhir had helped shape his approach.

According to Gurbaz, he sought advice after a recent Test match and focused on improving his shot selection.

The Afghan batter credited Gambhir's guidance and said he was able to apply those ideas during his innings in Dharamsala.

He explained that his plan had been straightforward.

With the match reduced to 25 overs per side, he believed positive cricket was the only viable option and backed himself to play aggressively for the benefit of the team.

Gurbaz added that performing for his country remained his biggest motivation and that the innings was the product of hard work and preparation.

India's chase began with a significant milestone for Rohit Sharma.

At 39, the veteran became the oldest cricketer to represent India in One-Day Internationals.

He also crossed the landmark of 16,000 international runs as an opener, another achievement in an illustrious career.

However, his innings ended in unfortunate circumstances.

A misunderstanding with Gill resulted in Rohit being run out for 16.

Earlier, he had also been struck on the wrist by a rising delivery but chose to continue batting.

Despite Rohit's early departure, India remained firmly in control.

Ishan Kishan looked fluent on his return to the ODI side.

The left-hander played several attractive strokes and scored 34 from only 22 deliveries.

His aggressive approach kept the required rate under control and put pressure on the Afghan bowlers.

Just as he appeared set for a bigger score, Ishan was deceived by a Rashid Khan googly and departed.

Shreyas Iyer also made a promising start but was unable to convert it into a substantial innings.

That brought additional responsibility on captain Gill.

The India skipper responded with an innings of remarkable composure and quality.

Although he required a brief period to settle, Gill gradually took control of the chase.

His innings was characterised by timing rather than power.

Elegant drives through the covers and perfectly placed pushes into gaps repeatedly found the boundary.

The Afghanistan spinners, including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and AM Ghazanfar, struggled to contain him.

Gill repeatedly used his footwork and placement to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries.

His innings of 84 not out came from only 66 deliveries and featured eleven boundaries and two sixes.

Importantly, he remained calm despite losing partners and ensured India never drifted away from the target.

KL Rahul then provided the finishing touches.

The wicketkeeper-batter played with freedom and scored an unbeaten 39 from just 19 balls.

His aggressive strokeplay accelerated the scoring rate and removed any remaining pressure from the chase.

Together, Rahul and Gill guided India to victory with 13 deliveries remaining and completed a comfortable seven-wicket win.

Beyond the result itself, the match offered India several reasons for optimism.

The captain displayed excellent form, experienced players contributed when needed and two newcomers delivered performances that could influence future selection discussions.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, will take encouragement from Gurbaz's remarkable century but may reflect on missed opportunities with the ball.

For India, the opening ODI proved to be more than simply another victory.

It was also an encouraging glimpse of the talent emerging within the national setup and a reminder that the team's future appears to be in capable hands.