Former Team India cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh has predicted that Rohit Sharma will score at least one century in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. The former opener expressed full confidence in Rohit’s batting ability and said that it is one of the biggest attractions for seasoned cricket fans.
India will take on Afghanistan in the first ODI at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Saturday, June 13. The hosts will be without Virat Kohli, who was ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury suffered during the IPL 2026 final while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Rohit Sharma is the biggest attraction of this ODI series – Sadagoppan Ramesh
Speaking on Star Sports, Sadagoppan Ramesh backed Rohit Sharma for a strong ODI series against Afghanistan. The former India opener said that Rohit Sharma’s presence is a big boost for the fans, especially with Virat Kohli unavailable for the series.
“With Virat not playing, it will be a relief for the spectators that Rohit is at least there, as well as for those who turn on the TV for these two. Rohit is the biggest attraction of this ODI series. In Dharamshala, I can already imagine his ferocious pulls over midwicket. I think Rohit will score at least one century in this series.”
Rohit joined the Indian team after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered during IPL 2026. India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has confirmed that the experienced opening batsman is fully fit and ready for the Afghanistan series.
The 39-year-old has been in good form in ODI cricket, scoring more than 400 runs in his last nine matches at an average of 51.12. India will be hoping that Rohit Sharma continues that form as they begin their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit Sharma is ready to return to Team India after six months.
India will lean towards Ishan Kishan at number 3 – Sadagoppan Ramesh
Sadagoppan Ramesh shares his views on India’s batting combination after Virat Kohli’s injury. The former India opener believes that the team management is more likely to back Ishan Kishan at No. 3 ahead of Yashasvi Jaiswal.
“I suspect India will try Jaiswal at No. 3. He is warming the bench a lot as he is seen primarily as an opening batsman. Even though it was in a different format, it is clear that India have already started looking at Kishan at No. 3. So I think India will lean towards Kishan at No. 3.”
Ishan Kishan has batted at number 3 in four ODI innings for India. The left-handed batsman has scored 163 runs at an average of 40.75 and a strike rate of over 110.
Prince Yadav should definitely play – Sadagoppan Ramesh backs young fast bowler
Sadagoppan Ramesh believes that Prince Yadav should be included in India’s playing eleven for the ODI series against Afghanistan. The former India opener said the young fast bowler’s death bowling skills and ability to perform under pressure make him a strong candidate for an international debut.
“He should definitely play in the 11 because of his death bowling ability. And he has shown the ability to perform well in high-pressure situations. So one Prince (Gill) should play with the other (Yadav). The youngsters should be exposed to a team like Afghanistan as much as possible. We have seen Manav Suthar in Tests. Similarly, if Prince Yadav plays and performs well, it will send a strong message to the new players of the future.”
Prince was included in the India squad for the first time after an impressive IPL 2026 campaign with Lucknow Super Giants. The right-arm fast bowler took 16 wickets in 14 matches and finished as the franchise’s leading wicket-taker.