- By Sunny Daud
- Sun, 21 Jun 2026 12:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Yashasvi Jaiswal's outstanding form has once again sparked discussions about India's opening combination in ODI cricket. The young batter recently scored his second century in just three matches, putting further focus on Rohit Sharma's future in the format.
In the third ODI against Afghanistan, Rohit overcame a shaky start and made the most of an early lifeline to play a brilliant innings of 79 runs. He looked increasingly comfortable as the innings progressed and, along with Jaiswal, put together a match-winning opening partnership of 170 runs. Rohit was particularly aggressive against Afghanistan's star spinner Rashid Khan before eventually losing his wicket.
Although Rohit finished the series with scores of 16, 48 and 79, there is still debate about whether those performances will be enough to secure his place for India's upcoming ODI tour of England. If the veteran opener continues at the top of the order, the team management could face a difficult decision regarding Jaiswal's place in the XI.
The 24-year-old has grabbed every opportunity that has come his way and has made a strong case for a regular spot in the ODI side. His recent performances have shown that he is ready to take on a bigger role in the team.
Speaking about the competition for places ahead of the England series, ODI skipper Shubman Gill admitted that the team management faces a selection challenge.
“I mean, it is a good kind of headache having all the players that are performing and I think the squad will be announced tomorrow or the next couple of days. So, we will see the squad and then we will have the best XI to put out anyway. I mean, we will see where everyone’s fitness is. If everyone is fit, like I said, we will see who is in the squad and based on the squad, we will try to make the best XI possible,” Gill said.
Gill added that the squad for the England tour is expected to be announced in the next few days. He said the management will assess the fitness of all players before deciding on the strongest possible combination for the conditions in England.
Rohit's innings in Chennai was important for more than one reason. His fifty ended a long wait for a significant ODI score, as it was his first half-century in the format in 196 days. His previous fifty-plus score came on December 6, 2025, when he made 75 against South Africa in Visakhapatnam.