India's ODI Squad: Kohli, Rohit Fitness Concerns May Open Doors for Newcomers

India may have to make changes to their ODI squad for the upcoming Afghanistan series if the fitness concerns surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not resolved in time. Kohli is likely to miss the three-match ODI series due to a hamstring injury as reported by TimesofIndia.com, while Rohit's availability remains uncertain as he is yet to receive fitness clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence. If one or both senior batters are unavailable, the selectors could revisit several players who have strong records in List A cricket and have remained on the fringes of the ODI setup. Yashasvi Jaiswal is among the leading candidates. The left-hander made a strong impression in his last ODI appearance, scoring an unbeaten 116 against South Africa. Despite playing only four ODIs, he has already scored 171 runs at an average of 57.00. His domestic one-day record is equally impressive, with 1,746 runs in 39 List A matches at an average of 51.35, including six centuries and seven fifties. Jaiswal also enjoyed a decent IPL 2026 season, scoring 427 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 152.50. Ruturaj Gaikwad also has recent ODI success on his side. The right-hander scored a century in his most recent ODI innings for India against South Africa. While his international record stands at 228 runs from nine matches, his List A numbers underline his consistency. Gaikwad has amassed 5,060 runs in 99 List A matches at an average of 58.83, with 20 centuries and 19 fifties. His IPL 2026 campaign was comparatively modest, producing 337 runs in 16 matches. Tilak Varma remains another option. Although he has played only five ODIs and scored 68 runs, his domestic record highlights his potential. Tilak has accumulated 1,867 runs in 47 List A matches at an average of 46.67, including six centuries and ten fifties. He scored 359 runs for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 at a strike rate of 145.93. Devdutt Padikkal, meanwhile, is yet to make his ODI debut for India but boasts outstanding List A numbers. The Karnataka batter has scored 2,796 runs in just 42 List A matches at an average of 82.23, registering 13 centuries and 14 fifties. He also impressed during IPL 2026, scoring 464 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 168.73.

PlayerODI RecordList A RecordIPL 2026Yashasvi Jaiswal171 runs in 4 matches, Avg 57.00, HS 116*1,746 runs in 39 matches, Avg 51.35, 6 hundreds, 7 fifties427 runs in 16 matches, Avg 30.50, SR 152.50Ruturaj Gaikwad228 runs in 9 matches, Avg 28.50, 1 hundred, 1 fifty5,060 runs in 99 matches, Avg 58.83, 20 hundreds, 19 fifties337 runs in 16 matches, Avg 28.08, SR 123.44Tilak Varma68 runs in 5 matches, Avg 22.671,867 runs in 47 matches, Avg 46.67, 6 hundreds, 10 fifties359 runs in 14 matches, Avg 29.92, SR 145.93Devdutt PadikkalYet to debut2,796 runs in 42 matches, Avg 82.23, 13 hundreds, 14 fifties464 runs in 16 matches, Avg 33.14, SR 168.73

With the Afghanistan series approaching and uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Kohli and Rohit, the selectors could have several proven performers to consider should vacancies arise in the squad.