Rohit Sharma Replacement: India Next ODI Opener?, 3 Strong Options

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3 Players Who Can Replace Rohit Sharma as India's ODI Opener: Recently, there has been considerable discussion in Indian cricket regarding the change in ODI captaincy and the future of veteran batsman Rohit Sharma. Rohit Sharma has retired from Test and T20 International cricket and is now focused solely on the 50-over format. Although he has been removed from the position of full-time ODI captain, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new captain, but he will remain in the team as an opener in the upcoming ODI series against Australia.

Rohit Sharma's career is now in its twilight, and Team India will soon need to find a new opening partner for him. The team management is now focusing on future plans and is preparing to give opportunities to young, versatile players.

Let's explore three key Indian players who could replace Rohit Sharma as an opener in the ODI team

3. Ishan Kishan: The Versatility of a Wicketkeeper-Batsman

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Wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan last played international cricket in 2023, and that same year he was part of the Indian team that finished runner-up in the ODI World Cup.

Kishan is a left-handed batsman and also keeps wickets, making him a versatile player. Team coach Gautam Gambhir often prioritizes players who can play multiple roles for the team. His versatility, including his ability to bat in the middle order as well as open the innings, makes him a strong alternative to Rohit Sharma.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma record as ODI captain, A Look at the Incredible 75% Win Rate

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal: Strong List A Performance

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Young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal has performed brilliantly since his international debut. He has made his mark in 25 Tests and 23 T20 Internationals. His aggressive batting has also earned him considerable recognition in the IPL.

Although he has played only one ODI match so far, his List A average of 52.62 indicates that he can be valuable to the team even in the longer innings of the 50-over format. His inclusion in the ODI squad for the Australia series is a sign of future plans. His fearless and aggressive style can give the team a quick start.

Also Read: Why was Rohit Sharma removed from India ODI captaincy?

1. Abhishek Sharma: A long-standing partnership with Gill

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Abhishek Sharma has only played internationally in the T20 format so far, but he recently had a stellar performance in the Asia Cup 2025, scoring 314 runs in seven matches.

Abhishek and Shubman Gill's childhood relationships, especially at the Under-12 level for Punjab, make them a perfect pairing to open alongside Gill in the ODI team. If he can translate his aggressive T20 form to the 50-over format, he will prove to be a valuable asset to the team. His left-handed batting will also provide variety at the top of the order.

Also Read: Why Hardik Pandya dropped from the squad for the Australia tour?

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