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Rohit Sharma may have returned to India’s ODI team after recovering from his hamstring injury, but the experienced opener’s place at the top of the order is not confirmed. India’s batting coach Ryan ten Doeschate has now confirmed that the team management intends to give Yashasvi Jaiswal an extended chance in the ODI team, a move that could have a significant impact on Rohit’s future.
Shubman Gill is now India’s ODI captain and with Virat Kohli set to regain the No. 3 spot after recovering from injury, Rohit Sharma is putting increasing pressure on himself to cement his place ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI future in doubt as India coach confirms extended run for Yashasvi Jaiswal
During a press conference, Ryan ten Doeschate was asked whether KL Rahul could come in to bat at No. 3 in the absence of Virat Kohli.
India’s batting coach admitted that options are under consideration but made it clear that the team management wants to continue to support Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order for now, while Shubman Gill is at No. 3.
This statement is significant as it effectively confirms that India are seriously looking at Jaiswal as a long-term top-order option in ODIs.
Rohit Sharma is already 39 years old and he will be over 40 by the next ODI World Cup. While his experience is invaluable, the Indian team management, led by Gautam Gambhir, is keeping a close eye on the senior opener’s performances as they plan for the future.
The left-right opening combination has become increasingly important in modern-day white-ball cricket. With Gill firmly established as captain and first-choice opener, Jaiswal’s presence provides India with an attractive option in case Rohit’s form declines.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is struggling in the current Afghanistan series
The irony is that despite getting support from the team management, Jaiswal has not been able to make a strong impression in his recent matches.
The left-handed batsman scored only 24 runs in the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh and fell to Mohammad Saleem while attempting a wrong flick down the leg side.
His struggle continued in the current ODI series also. Included in the eleven for the second ODI in Lucknow, Jaiswal lasted only nine balls before scoring four runs. Trying to cut a short and wide delivery from Mohammad Saleem, he failed to keep the shot down and was caught at backward point.
Jaiswal’s aggressive approach is one of his biggest strengths, but the young opener will need to regain consistency soon if he is to establish himself permanently in India’s ODI setup.
How has Rohit Sharma’s performance been in the current Afghanistan series?
Rohit’s Afghanistan series has given mixed returns so far. In the rain-interrupted first ODI in Dharamshala, he scored 16 runs from 16 balls, before making a costly mistake with Shubman Gill and being run out. Rohit looked quite dejected as he returned after Afghanistan got a crucial success due to a misunderstanding.
There was more encouragement from the second ODI in Lucknow. Rohit looked fluent throughout his innings and hit six fours and two sixes during his quickfire innings of 48 runs off just 39 balls. He made a vital partnership of 87 runs with Gill and laid the foundation of India’s mammoth score of 402.
However, just when a big score looked inevitable, Rashid Khan outfoxed them with a trademark googly that hit the stumps.
While scores of 16 and 48 do not indicate immediate trouble, they also underline why the next few months could be crucial for Rohit Sharma. With Gill untouched at the top and Kohli expected to slot straight in at No. 3, the India management clearly wants to assess the young options before finalizing their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Recently, a former Indian batsman had also raised questions on Rohit Sharma’s attitude.
