Dharamsala: As India gears up for a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, former cricketer Aakash Chopra has backed Ishan Kishan to fill the crucial No. 3 spot in the absence of Virat Kohli. The series, beginning in Dharamsala, marks India’s return to the 50-over format shortly after the conclusion of IPL 2026.
While Kohli’s absence due to injury leaves a significant void in the batting order, the team management faces a key decision in selecting his replacement. Among the contenders, Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal have emerged as leading options.
Chopra backs Kishan’s consistency and form
Chopra, known for his candid analysis, expressed strong confidence in Kishan’s ability to seize the opportunity. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he described Kishan as a player who thrives when given unexpected chances.
Referring to him as “God’s favourite child,” Chopra suggested that Kishan has a knack for stepping in when doors open and delivering impactful performances. He highlighted that Kishan’s current form makes him a strong candidate to succeed at No. 3, especially in a series where India may look to experiment.
According to Chopra, Kishan’s track record of capitalising on opportunities and establishing himself in the side could work in his favour once again.
India’s top-order combination takes shape
With Rohit Sharma cleared by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, he is expected to open the innings alongside captain Shubman Gill. This leaves the No. 3 position as the only unsettled spot in the top order.
Kohli’s absence is significant given his consistency and experience in the format. Over the years, he has been the backbone of India’s ODI batting, often anchoring innings and guiding chases.
In this context, the selection of his replacement becomes even more crucial, especially with preparations underway for major international tournaments, including the upcoming ODI World Cup.
Hardik Pandya’s injury adds to concerns
India’s challenges have been compounded by the absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been ruled out of the series due to a fresh quadriceps strain. Pandya had been undergoing assessment at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a back spasm when the new injury occurred.
Reports suggest that the injury may have been aggravated while bowling his full quota of 10 overs during evaluation. With an estimated recovery period of three weeks, Pandya is unlikely to regain fitness in time for the Afghanistan series.
This setback comes at a crucial juncture, as the team management aims to give Pandya more exposure in ODIs ahead of next year’s World Cup. His absence not only weakens the bowling attack but also reduces the team’s flexibility in balancing the playing XI.
Series schedule and expectations
The ODI series against Afghanistan begins in Dharamsala on June 14, followed by matches in Lucknow and Chennai on June 17 and June 20, respectively. The series provides an opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim for regular spots in the team.
For Kishan and Jaiswal, the series could serve as a platform to showcase their adaptability in the middle order. While Jaiswal is primarily known as an opener, his versatility could also come into play if the team management opts for a left-right combination.
Conclusion
With Virat Kohli unavailable, India faces a key selection dilemma ahead of the Afghanistan ODIs. Aakash Chopra’s endorsement of Ishan Kishan reflects growing confidence in the young batter’s ability to deliver under pressure. As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on who steps into the No. 3 role and whether they can fill the void left by one of India’s greatest ODI players.