Yashasvi Jaiswal was named as the new ODI opener, kicking Abhishek Sharma aside

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra He made a bold statement ahead of the much-awaited three-match ODI series Against Australia starting October 19 in Perth. There have been widespread conversations about Abhishek Sharma He replaced Rohit Sharma at the top of the order after the youngster impressed in the T20Is.

Abhishek Sharma has been the talk of the town since his stunning run in the 2025 Asia Cup, where he won the Player of the Tournament award. His fearless play and calm temperament under pressure reminded many of the young Rohit Sharma.

Abhishek Sharma will not be India’s next ODI opener, says Aakash Chopra

Following this, Abhishek was named in the India ‘A’ squad for the white-ball matches against Australia ‘A’. These developments have sparked discussion that the Punjab lad could be India’s next ODI opener after Rohit’s retirement.

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However, Aakash Chopra does not think Abhishek Sharma will get an opportunity immediately as an opener in the ODI team. The commentator suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal could be next in line to take Rohit Sharma’s place at the top of the order.

“It’s just a matter of when, not if. Yashasvi will be playing across formats very soon. He has already impressed in T20Is and scored a century as well. He has been consistent in the IPL and was part of the T20 World Cup squad. After that, Shubman Gill moved forward due to captaincy responsibilities,” Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

If Yashasvi Jaiswal’s film opens with Shubman Gill, people might not even miss Rohit Sharma: Aakash Chopra

Chopra pointed out that Yashasvi Jaiswal has already made his mark in Test cricket and continues to grow as a consistent performer in white-ball formats. With his aggressiveness, fearless mentality and ability to anchor the innings, Jaiswal is a true and natural successor in India’s long-term opener’s plans.

The commentator even said that once the left-handed opener starts regularly in ODIs alongside the new skipper, Shubman Gill, fans may not feel Rohit Sharma’s absence when the hitman eventually retires from international cricket.

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“Gale has become a part of the Asia Cup squad, but it will be Yashavi’s turn. You can’t keep him waiting for long. There is talk of including Abhishek Sharma in the ODIs, but I think Yashavi should get his chance first. If he opens with Gill, people might not even miss Rohit,” Chopra added.

Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to become an opener for all formats, expects Aakash Chopra

Notably, both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma have been selected in the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia series. Jaiswal, who missed out on the 2025 Asia Cup due to Gill’s promotion as India’s vice-captain in the T20Is, will be hungry to prove himself.

Looking ahead, the cricket expert predicted that by the time the 2026 T20 World Cup arrives, Yashasvi Jaiswal could become a regular player in all formats for India. Even Chopra believes the Mumbaikar could push Gill into the third spot, with Abhishek Sharma likely to join him at the top in the T20I line-up.

The commentator concluded by saying: “Whenever Yashavi gets an opportunity, he makes the most of it. Once he cements his place, others will not miss it. By the next World Cup, he will likely be a regular in the starting lineup.”