Former India opener Aakash Chopra has backed Ishan Kishan to replace the injured Virat Kohli in India's playing XI for the first ODI against Afghanistan. Chopra believes the wicketkeeper-batter is the leading candidate to take over the No. 3 position and could be preferred ahead of Yashasvi Jaiswal.
India will begin their three-match ODI series against Afghanistan at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Saturday, June 13. The match is India's first ODI series following the IPL 2026 season, with the team looking to adjust to Kohli's absence and finalize its batting combination.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra backed Ishan Kishan to make the most of another opportunity in the Indian team. The former opener said that Kishan has a habit of stepping up whenever a place opens up in the batting order and often makes an immediate impact.
"Again, [he's the] God's favorite child at this point in time. And when he gets the No. 3 spot, I think he'll score runs. He's in that kind of form. And whenever doors have opened, unknowingly, it's Ishan Kishan who walks in. He's standing there when the door is opened, walks into the team, scores runs, and establishes himself. He always does that."
Ishan Kishan's Comeback Strengthens His Case for India's ODI XI
Ishan Kishan has revived his career over the past year. Last year, he was without a BCCI central contract and out of national contention due to concerns over his commitment. However, he led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and worked his way back into the selectors' plans.
The left-hander earned a recall ahead of the T20 World Cup and impressed with consistent performances. He followed that with a strong IPL 2026 season, which helped him return to India's ODI setup for the first time since October 2023.
Kishan has scored 933 runs in 27 ODI matches at an average of 42.40 and a strike rate of 102.19. His best score remains the historic 210 he made against Bangladesh. If India choose Kishan at No. 3, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who replaced the injured Virat Kohli in the squad, could miss out on a place in the playing XI.
Aakash Chopra Picks Ishan Kishan, Leaves Yashasvi Jaiswal Out of India's XI
Aakash Chopra's predicted XI for the first ODI against Afghanistan does not include Yashasvi Jaiswal, despite the left-hander being added to the squad as Virat Kohli's replacement. Chopra expects India to use Ishan at No. 3, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opening the batting.
He picked Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar in the middle order. The combination provides India with batting depth while also adding extra bowling options through Sundar and Reddy.
Chopra's bowling attack includes Kuldeep Yadav as the lead spinner, with pacers Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh. He also backed uncapped fast bowler Prince Yadav to make his international debut after being included in India's squad.
Aakash Chopra's Predicted India XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav.
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