Former India opener Aakash Chopra has backed Ishan Kishan to replace him Injured Virat Kohli In India’s playing eleven for the first ODI against Afghanistan. Chopra believes that the wicketkeeper-batsman is the leading candidate to take the No. 3 spot and may be given priority ahead of Yashasvi Jaiswal.
India will begin their three-match ODI series against Afghanistan at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Saturday, June 13. The match is India’s first ODI series after the IPL 2026 season, with the team trying to adjust to Kohli’s absence and finalize its batting combination.
Whenever the doors open, only Ishaan Kishan comes in – Aakash Chopra
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra backed Ishan Kishan to make the most of another opportunity in the Indian team. The former opener said that Kishan has a habit of stepping up whenever he gets a spot in the batting order and often making an immediate impact.
“again, [he’s the] God’s most favorite child at this time. And when he gets the No. 3 position, I think he will score runs. He is in that kind of form. And whenever the doors open, unknowingly, it is Ishaan Kishan who walks in. When the door opens he just stands there, comes into the team, scores runs and establishes himself. He always does that.”
Ishan Kishan’s return strengthens his claim for India’s ODI XI
Ishan Kishan has revived his career in the last one year. Last year, he was without a BCCI central contract and out of the national contention due to concerns over his commitment. However, he led Jharkhand to their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and returned to the selectors’ plans.
The left-handed batsman was recalled to the squad ahead of the T20 World Cup and has impressed with consistent performances. He followed that up with a stellar performance in the IPL 2026 season, helping him return to India’s ODI setup for the first time since October 2023.
Kishan has scored 933 runs in 27 ODI matches at an average of 42.40 and strike rate of 102.19. His best score is the historic 210 runs made against Bangladesh. If India selects Kishan at number three, then Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was included in the team in place of injured Virat Kohli, may miss out on a place in the playing eleven.
Aakash Chopra chose Ishan Kishan, dropped Yashasvi Jaiswal from India’s XI.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has not been included in Aakash Chopra’s predicted XI for the first ODI against Afghanistan, despite the left-handed batsman being included in the squad as a replacement for Virat Kohli. Chopra expects India to use Ishan at No. 3, while Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will open the batting.
He chose Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar in the middle order. This combination provides India with batting depth while also adding additional bowling options through Sundar and Reddy.
Chopra’s bowling attack includes Kuldeep Yadav as the main spinner, fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh. He also backed uncapped fast bowler Prince Yadav to make his international debut after being included in the India squad.
Aakash Chopra’s probable India XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav.
