The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) men’s selection committee is reportedly preparing to discuss young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ODI future. The Ajit Agarkar-led panel will meet in Guwahati on Tuesday, May 19, to finalize India’s squads for the upcoming series against Afghanistan on home soil.
India will host Afghanistan for a one-off Test match and a three-match ODI series between June 6 and June 20. Shubman Gill is expected to captain the Indian team in the limited-overs matches. The Men in Blue will aim to recover from their recent ODI series defeats against New Zealand earlier this year at home.
Selectors Discuss Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ODI Role Amid Rohit Sharma Fitness Concerns
According to Cricbuzz, a major discussion point for the selection committee will be how to give Yashasvi Jaiswal regular opportunities in ODI cricket. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored an unbeaten century against South Africa during his previous ODI appearance but lost his place once Shubman Gill returned to the squad.
With Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma usually opening the innings, Yashasvi Jaiswal has struggled to secure a regular spot at the top of the order. Yashasvi Jaiswal has played only four ODIs in the last three years, forcing selectors to consider different ways to fit him into the playing XI.
Sharma’s recent hamstring injury could temporarily create an opening for the left-handed batter. The Indian captain has recently featured only as an Impact Player for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026, and his selection for ODI cricket will depend on clearing strict fitness tests for the longer format.
Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Be Rested as Selectors Monitor Workload Ahead of England Tour
Managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload remains one of the biggest challenges for the Indian selection committee. The star fast bowler has played continuous cricket since the T20I series against New Zealand in January, making him a strong candidate for rest during the upcoming home series against Afghanistan.
Notably, the one-off Test against Afghanistan is not part of the current World Test Championship cycle. The selectors could decide to rest Bumrah for the entire series. The management wants to keep him fresh for the important white-ball tour of the United Kingdom beginning in July.
India are scheduled to play two matches against Ireland before facing England in a major white-ball series. Meanwhile, the selectors are also expected to discuss Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi, who impressed by taking 60 wickets in the recently completed Ranji Trophy season.
Rishabh Pant Likely to Retain ODI Spot Despite Pressure From Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson
Another important discussion point for the selectors is Rishabh Pant’s place in the ODI squad. The left-handed batter is currently India’s backup wicketkeeper for KL Rahul. However, his position has come under pressure because of the strong recent performances of Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson.
The selection committee is expected to continue backing Rishabh Pant. The management believes he has not received enough opportunities in the playing XI to properly prove his form and fitness in ODI cricket after returning from injury.
The selectors must also decide whether senior players need rest after a long stretch of continuous cricket. Ajit Agarkar and the panel are expected to discuss workload management for experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the busy international schedule.
Also read: Ajit Agarkar issues stern fitness warning to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli before Afghanistan ODIs
