Rohit Sharma reportedly secured a place in India's squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan after a last-minute conversation with BCCI officials, according to a report by CricBlogger. The report claimed that the decision came at the expense of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was initially expected to be part of the squad.
India are scheduled to host Afghanistan for a three-match ODI series beginning on June 13, 2026, in Dharamshala. Rohit found his place in the squad, but his availability is subject to fitness. The right-handed batter played as an "Impact Player" in the last few matches for the Mumbai Indians (MI) during IPL 2026.
Rohit Sharma's Phone Call Costs Yashasvi Jaiswal ODI Spot
According to CricBlogger, Yashasvi Jaiswal was initially expected to remain with the senior setup as he was not included in the India A squad for the tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
“Now we know why Jaiswal isn’t part of the ODI squad,” the source said.
The BCCI announced the India A squad for the tri-series on May 14. Five days later, the selectors finalized India's squad for the Afghanistan ODI series. Rohit Sharma was included after informing board officials about his availability for the series.
Rohit had missed several IPL matches earlier in the season due to a hamstring injury. The report also claimed that selectors were uncertain about his fitness status while discussing squad combinations, as he had not completed a scheduled assessment at the National Cricket Academy.
Rohit Sharma Not Part Of Gautam Gambhir's 2027 World Cup Plans
The report added that head coach Gautam Gambhir has a clear long-term vision for India's ODI setup. Gambhir is focused on building a squad for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, and Rohit Sharma is not part of those plans.
“Therefore, Rohit may have to walk away from ODI cricket as well,” another source indicated.
The BCCI recently began a leadership transition by appointing Shubman Gill as India's ODI captain, replacing Rohit. The change came despite Rohit leading India to the Champions Trophy 2025 title.
Rohit last played an ODI series earlier this year against New Zealand at home. The veteran opener struggled for runs in the three-match series, scoring 61 runs in three innings at an average of 20.33.
It Will Be Extremely Tough For Rohit Sharma To Make The World Cup Squad
The report further claimed that Rohit Sharma will face a tough task to remain part of India's ODI plans through the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Increasing competition for opening spots could make it difficult for the veteran batter to secure a place in the squad.
“It will be extremely tough for Rohit to make the World Cup squad because there are quite a few contenders for the opening slot,” the source added.
The report also claimed that Rohit is not willing to give up his place in the ODI side without a fight. Rohit believes he can still contribute at the highest level and conveyed that view while discussing his availability for the Afghanistan series.
Rohit has enjoyed a remarkable ODI career, scoring 11,577 runs in in 282 matches at an average of 48.84. The former India captain has registered 61 half-centuries and 33 centuries, including his record-breaking highest score of 264 against Sri Lanka.
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