Before the ODI series against England, Team India captain Shubman Gill attended a press conference. During the press conference, he was asked question…
1/5The 28-year-old Ishan Kishan has not been impressive on the ongoing England tour, but his recent form has been impressive. A left-handed opener and wicket keeper, Kishan remains a strong contender as Rohit Sharma’s successor at the top of the batting order in one-day internationals (ODI). Kishan has scored seven 50s and 2 centuries in the 31 ODIs he has played for India. His versatility may have been his bane. The team has changed his batting position even though opening is considered the best position for Ishan, making him a potential replacement. FILE PHOTO: July 4, 2026, India’s Ishan Kishan in action at the Second T20 International versus England at Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain. Source: Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
2/5Ruturaj Gaikwad (age 29) may have been in and out of the India team, but that was not because of his performance. He has a 50 and a century in the eight ODI innings (in 9 matches) that he has opened for India. He just fit the management’s desired mix for the team. FILE PHOTO: May 15, 2026, Gaikwad hits a four for Chennai Super Kings in an IPL match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. REUTERS/Stringer
3/5At 24, Yashasvi Jaiswal has a much better ODI record than his senior colleagues Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad. He has two centuries in six one-day matches for India, but it’s just a little over a year since his ODI debut for the national team. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for with the undisputed talent nurtured by Rajasthan Royals, something that even coach Gautam Gambhir admires, according to media reports. With strong performances in the Test team, he has solidified his hold on the opening slot. A left-handed opener alongside Shubman Gill in ODIs could just be what Team India needs, and Jaiswal could be the one, just for the sheer talent and record (albeit a short one). FILE PHOTO: May 19, 2026, Jaiswal in action against Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Source: REUTERS/Sharafat Ali
4/5Sai Sudarshan’s recent performance in domestic cricket has been impressive. The ODI format, in particular, would suit him well. Sudarshan has already earned a Test call for Team India. He is now awaiting his turn in the ODI squad. This has put him in the running to replace Rohit Sharma as the opener in the ODI team. FILE PHOTO: April 9, 2025, Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudarshan slams a Rajasthan Royals bowler for a boundary at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India. Source: REUTERS/Amit Dave
5/5There is also talk of Abhishek Sharma being included as a replacement for Rohit Sharma in the ODI squad. Abhishek has already proven himself in the T20 format. Given his batting style, if he is included in the ODI squad, he could also be a good replacement for Rohit Sharma. FILE PHOTO: July 1, 2026, India’s Abhishek Sharma in action as he hits four runs. Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
