India could be forced into a major reshuffle for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with injury concerns surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma creating uncertainty over the team’s batting line-up. While Kohli is reportedly set to miss the series due to a hamstring injury, Rohit Sharma is still awaiting fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. If the senior duo are ruled out, selectors may have little choice but to turn to a new generation of batters who have impressed in domestic cricket, List A competitions and IPL 2026.
According to reports, Kohli is likely to miss the three-match ODI series due to a hamstring injury, while Rohit’s participation remains doubtful as he is yet to receive fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
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Should one or both veterans fail to recover in time, selectors could turn to a group of in-form batters who have consistently delivered in domestic one-day cricket and remain on the fringes of India’s ODI setup.
Among the strongest contenders is Yashasvi Jaiswal. The left-hander impressed during his most recent ODI appearance, scoring an unbeaten 116 against South Africa. Although he has featured in only four ODIs, he has already amassed 171 runs at an average of 57.00. His List A numbers are equally impressive, with 1,746 runs from 39 matches at an average of 51.35. Jaiswal also enjoyed a productive IPL 2026 season, scoring 427 runs at a strike rate of 152.50.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is another name likely to attract attention. The Chennai batter scored a century in his latest ODI outing for India and possesses one of the strongest List A records among current contenders. Gaikwad has accumulated 5,060 runs in 99 List A matches at an average of 58.83, including 20 centuries. While his IPL 2026 campaign was relatively modest, selectors are aware of his proven credentials in the 50-over format.
Tilak Varma remains a promising option despite limited ODI opportunities so far. The left-hander has scored 1,867 runs in 47 List A matches at an average of 46.67, including six centuries. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs and contribute consistently makes him a strong candidate if vacancies arise.
Devdutt Padikkal could also come into the conversation. Although he is yet to make his ODI debut, his domestic record is exceptional. The Karnataka batter has scored 2,796 runs in just 42 List A matches at a staggering average of 82.23, with 13 centuries and 14 fifties. He also impressed in IPL 2026, scoring 464 runs at a strike rate of 168.73.
With the Afghanistan series approaching, India’s selectors could soon face some important decisions if concerns over Kohli and Rohit’s fitness continue.
| Player | ODI Record | List A Record | IPL 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 171 runs in 4 matches, Avg 57.00, HS 116* | 1,746 runs in 39 matches, Avg 51.35, 6 100s, 7 50s | 427 runs, SR 152.50 |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 228 runs in 9 matches, Avg 28.50, 1 100, 1 50 | 5,060 runs in 99 matches, Avg 58.83, 20 100s, 19 50s | 337 runs, SR 123.44 |
| Tilak Varma | 68 runs in 5 matches, Avg 22.67 | 1,867 runs in 47 matches, Avg 46.67, 6 100s, 10 50s | 359 runs, SR 145.93 |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Yet to debut | 2,796 runs in 42 matches, Avg 82.23, 13 100s, 14 50s | 464 runs, SR 168.73 |
