Former Team India cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh has predicted that Rohit Sharma will score at least one century in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. The former opener expressed strong confidence in Rohit's batting ability and said the veteran remains one of the biggest attractions for cricket fans.
India will face Afghanistan in the first ODI at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday, June 13. The hosts will be without Virat Kohli, who was ruled out of the series after suffering a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Rohit Sharma Is the Biggest Attraction of This ODI Series - Sadagoppan Ramesh
Speaking on Star Sports, Sadagoppan Ramesh backed Rohit Sharma to have a strong ODI series against Afghanistan. The former India opener said that Rohit Sharma's presence is a major boost for fans, especially with Virat Kohli unavailable for the series.
"With Virat not playing, it'll be a relief for the crowd that Rohit is at least there, along with those who turn on the TV for these two. Rohit is the biggest attraction of this ODI series. In Dharamsala, I can already envision his ferocious pulls over midwicket. I feel Rohit will score a minimum of one century in this series."
Rohit joined the Indian squad after recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered during IPL 2026. India bowling coach Morne Morkel has confirmed that the veteran opener is fully fit and ready for the Afghanistan series.
The 39-year-old has been in good form in ODI cricket, scoring more than 400 runs in his last nine matches at an average of 51.12. India will hope Rohit Sharma can continue that form as they begin their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit Sharma is set to return to the India side after six months.
India Will Lean Towards Ishan Kishan at No. 3 - Sadagoppan Ramesh
Sadagoppan Ramesh shared his views on India's batting combination following Virat Kohli's injury. The former India opener believes the team management is more likely to back Ishan Kishan at No. 3 ahead of Yashasvi Jaiswal.
"I doubt India will try Jaiswal at No. 3. He has been warming the bench a lot because he's seen primarily as an opener. Though it was in a different format, it's clear India have already started looking at Kishan at No. 3. So I feel India will lean towards Kishan at No. 3."
Ishan Kishan has batted at No. 3 in four ODI innings for India. The left-hander has scored 163 runs at an average of 40.75 and a strike rate of over 110.
Prince Yadav Must Definitely Play - Sadagoppan Ramesh Backs Young Pacer
Sadagoppan Ramesh believes Prince Yadav should be included in India's playing XI for the ODI series against Afghanistan. The former India opener said that the young pacer's death-bowling skills and ability to perform under pressure make him a strong candidate for an international debut.
"He must definitely play in the 11 because of his death bowling ability. And he has shown the ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. So one prince (Gill) should play the other (Yadav). The youngsters must be exposed to a side like Afghanistan as much as possible. We saw Manav Suthar in the Tests. Likewise, if Prince Yadav plays and delivers, it'll send a strong message to future newcomers."
Prince earned his maiden India call-up after an impressive IPL 2026 campaign with Lucknow Super Giants. The right-arm pacer picked up 16 wickets in 14 matches and finished as the franchise's leading wicket-taker.
