Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has made a bold statement ahead of the much-awaited three-match ODI series against Australia starting from October 19 in Perth. After the shine of this young player in T-20, there is a massive discussion about replacing Rohit Sharma in the top order with Abhishek Sharma.
Abhishek Sharma has been the talk of the town after his incredible performance in the Asia Cup 2025, where he won the Player of the Tournament award. His fearless stroke play and calm demeanor under pressure reminded many of the young Rohit Sharma.
Aakash Chopra says Abhishek Sharma will not be India’s next ODI opener
And then, Abhishek was named in the India A squad for the white-ball game against Australia A. These developments sparked discussion that after Rohit’s retirement, this Punjab player could be India’s next ODI opener.
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However, Aakash Chopra does not think that Abhishek Sharma will get a chance as an opening batsman in the ODI team directly. Commentators have suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal could be next in line to replace Rohit Sharma at the top of the order.
“It’s just a question of when, not if. Yashasvi will be playing across all formats very soon. He has already impressed in the T20Is and has also scored a century. He has been performing consistently in the IPL and was a part of the T20 World Cup squad. After that, Shubman Gill stepped in due to leadership responsibilities,” Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
If Yashasvi Jaiswal opens with Shubman Gill, people will not miss Rohit Sharma too: Aakash Chopra
Chopra has said that Yashasvi Jaiswal has already left his mark in Test cricket and is growing as a consistent performer in the white-ball format. With his aggression, fearless mindset and ability to shape the innings, Jaiswal is a true and natural successor in India’s long-term opening plans.
The commentator even said that once the left-handed opener starts opening regularly in ODIs with new captain Shubman Gill, fans will not miss Rohit Sharma when the hitman eventually retires from international cricket.
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Chopra said, “Gill has become a part of the Asia Cup team, but Yashasvi’s turn will come. You cannot keep him waiting for long. There is talk of including Abhishek Sharma in ODIs, but I think Yashasvi should get a chance first. If he opens with Gill, then people will not miss Rohit too.”
Aakash Chopra’s prediction, Yashasvi Jaiswal is ready to become an all-format opener
Notably, both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma have been named in the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia series. Jaiswal, who missed the Asia Cup 2025 due to Gill’s promotion as India’s vice-captain in T20Is, will be hungry to prove himself.
Looking ahead, the cricket expert predicted that by the time the 2026 T20 World Cup arrives, Yashasvi Jaiswal could become a regular player across all formats for India. Even Chopra admitted that the Mumbaikar could push Gill to No. 3, with Abhishek Sharma potentially joining him at the top of the T20I line-up.
The commentator signed off by saying, “Whenever Yashasvi gets a chance, he makes the most of it. Once he cements his place, you won’t miss the others. By the next World Cup, he will probably be a regular starter in the XI.”
