Table of Contents
Rohit Sharma may have returned to India's ODI setup after recovering from his hamstring injury, but the veteran opener's place at the top of the order is far from guaranteed. India's batting coach Ryan ten Doeschate has now confirmed that the team management intends to give Yashasvi Jaiswal an extended run in the ODI side, a move that could have significant implications for Rohit's future.
With Shubman Gill now India's ODI captain and Virat Kohli set to reclaim the No.3 spot once he recovers from injury, Rohit Sharma finds himself under increasing pressure to cement his place ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Rohit Sharma's ODI future comes under scanner as India coach confirms extended run for Yashasvi Jaiswal
During a press conference, Ryan ten Doeschate was asked whether KL Rahul could move up to bat at No.3 in Virat Kohli's absence.
The India batting coach admitted that the option remains under consideration but made it clear that the team management wants to continue backing Yashasvi Jaiswal higher up the order for the time being, with Shubman Gill at No.3.
That statement is significant because it effectively confirms that India are seriously exploring Jaiswal as a long-term top-order option in ODIs.
Rohit Sharma is already 39 and will be over 40 by the time the next ODI World Cup comes around. While his experience remains invaluable, the Indian team management, led by Gautam Gambhir, is closely monitoring the senior opener's performances as they continue planning 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 offers India an attractive alternative should Rohit's form dip.
Yashasvi Jaiswal struggling in the ongoing Afghanistan series
Ironically, Jaiswal has not managed to make a strong impression in his recent outings despite receiving backing from the team management.
The left-hander scored only 24 runs in the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh before falling to Mohammad Saleem while attempting an ill-judged flick down the leg side.
His struggles continued in the ongoing ODI series. Drafted into the XI for the second ODI in Lucknow, Jaiswal lasted only nine deliveries before departing for four runs. Looking 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 remains one of his biggest strengths, but the young opener will need to find consistency quickly if he wants to establish himself permanently in India's ODI setup.
How has Rohit Sharma performed in the ongoing Afghanistan series?
Rohit's Afghanistan series has produced mixed returns so far. In the rain-curtailed first ODI in Dharamsala, he scored 16 off 16 balls before a costly mix-up with Shubman Gill resulted in a run-out. Rohit was visibly frustrated as he walked back after the misunderstanding gifted Afghanistan an important breakthrough.
The second ODI in Lucknow offered far more encouragement. Rohit looked fluent throughout his innings, striking six fours and two sixes during a brisk 48 off just 39 deliveries. He shared a crucial 87-run stand with Gill and laid the platform for India's massive total of 402.
However, just when a big score appeared inevitable, Rashid Khan outfoxed him with a trademark googly that crashed into the stumps.
While scores of 16 and 48 do not suggest an immediate crisis, they also underline why the next few months could be crucial for Rohit Sharma. With Gill untouchable at the top and Kohli expected to slot straight back in at No.3, India's management clearly wants to assess younger options before finalizing its plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Recently, a former Indian batter also questioned Rohit Sharma's approach.
