According to a report in Cricblogger, Rohit Sharma has reportedly confirmed his place in India’s squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan after last-minute talks with BCCI officials. The report claims that this decision has come at the expense of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was initially expected to be a part of the team.
India is scheduled to host Afghanistan for a three-match ODI series starting from June 13, 2026 in Dharamshala. Rohit got a place in the team, but his availability depends on fitness. The right-handed batsman played as an “impact player” in the last few matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) during IPL 2026.
Yashasvi Jaiswal got place in ODI due to Rohit Sharma’s phone call
According to Cricblogger, Yashasvi Jaiswal was initially expected to stick with the senior setup as he was not included in the India A squad for the tri-series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
“We now know why Jaiswal is not part of the ODI squad,” the source said.
BCCI announced the India A squad for the tri-series on 14 May. Five days later, the selectors finalized India’s squad for the Afghanistan ODI series. Rohit Sharma was included after informing the board officials about his availability for the series.
Rohit was unable to play many IPL matches at the beginning of the season due to a hamstring injury. The report also claimed that the selectors were unsure about his fitness status while discussing the team combination, as he had not completed the prescribed assessment at the National Cricket Academy.
Rohit Sharma not part of Gautam Gambhir’s 2027 World Cup plans
The report adds that head coach Gautam Gambhir has a clear long-term vision for India’s ODI setup. Gambhir’s focus is on building the squad for the 2027 Cricket World Cup and Rohit Sharma is not part of those plans.
Another source hinted, “Hence, Rohit may have to step away from ODI cricket as well.”
The BCCI recently initiated a leadership change by appointing Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain in place of Rohit. This change came despite India winning the Champions Trophy 2025 title under Rohit’s leadership.
Rohit last played an ODI series against New Zealand on home soil earlier this year. The experienced opening batsman struggled for runs in the three-match series, scoring 61 runs in three innings at an average of 20.33.
It will be very difficult for Rohit Sharma to make a place in the World Cup team
The report further claims that Rohit Sharma will face a tough challenge to remain a part of India’s ODI plans through the 2027 Cricket World Cup. The increasing competition for starting spots may make it difficult for an experienced batsman to cement a place in the team.
“It will be very difficult for Rohit to get a place in the World Cup squad as there are a lot of contenders for the opening slot,” the source said.
The report also claims that Rohit is not ready to give up his place in the ODI team without a fight. Rohit believes that he can still contribute at the highest level and he expressed this view while discussing his availability for the Afghanistan series.
Rohit has performed brilliantly in his ODI career, scoring 11,577 runs in 282 matches at an average of 48.84. The former India captain has recorded 61 half-centuries and 33 centuries, including his record-breaking highest score of 264 runs against Sri Lanka.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir replaced as India head coach for Asian Games 2026; BCCI chose new man