'People won’t miss Rohit Sharma': Yashasvi Jaiswal chosen as new ODI opener, Abhishek Sharma kicked aside

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has made a bold statement ahead of the much-awaited three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19 in Perth. There have been massive talks about Abhishek Sharma replacing Rohit Sharma at the top of the order after the youngster shone in T20Is.

Abhishek Sharma has been the talk of the town ever since his incredible run in the Asia Cup 2025, where he won the Player of the Tournament award. His fearless stroke play and calm temperament under pressure reminded many of a young Rohit Sharma.

Abhishek Sharma won't be India’s next ODI opener, says Aakash Chopra

And then, Abhishek was named in the India A squad for white-ball games against Australia A. These developments sparked a discussion that the Punjab lad could be India’s next ODI opener after Rohit’s retirement.

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However, Aakash Chopra doesn’t think Abhishek Sharma will straightaway get the chance as an opener in the ODI side. The commentator has suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal could be the next in line to take Rohit Sharma’s place at the top of the order.

Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “It’s just a question of when, not if. Yashasvi will play across formats very soon. He’s already impressed in T20Is and scored a century too. He’s been consistent in the IPL and was part of the T20 World Cup squad. After that, Shubman Gill moved ahead due to leadership responsibilities.”

If Yashasvi Jaiswal opens with Shubman Gill, people might not even miss Rohit Sharma: Aakash Chopra

Chopra has pointed out that Yashasvi Jaiswal has already made his mark in Test cricket and continues to grow as a consistent performer in white-ball formats. With his aggression, fearless mindset, and ability to anchor 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 alongside the new captain, Shubman Gill, fans might not feel the absence of Rohit Sharma when the Hitman eventually retires from international cricket.

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Chopra added, “Gill became part of the Asia Cup side, but Yashasvi’s turn will come. You can’t keep him waiting for long. There’s talk about Abhishek Sharma’s inclusion in ODIs, but I think Yashasvi should get his chance first. If he opens with Gill, people might not even miss Rohit.”

Yashasvi Jaiswal set to become all-format opener, predicts Aakash Chopra

Notably, both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma have been named in the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia series. Jaiswal, who missed out on the Asia Cup 2025 because of 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 an all-format regular for India. Even Chopra reckoned that the Mumbaikar might push Gill to No. 3, with Abhishek Sharma potentially joining him at the top in the T20I line-up.

The commentator signed off by saying, “Whenever Yashasvi gets an opportunity, he makes the most of it. Once he cements his spot, you won’t miss others. By the next World Cup, he’ll likely be a regular starter in the XI.”