India could face a major selection headache ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan if captain Rohit Sharma is unavailable due to fitness concerns. Rohit remains one of India's most experienced and successful ODI batters, and replacing him at the top of the order would be far from straightforward.
However, Indian cricket has no shortage of talented options waiting in the wings. Several players have impressed across formats and domestic competitions, making a strong case for inclusion. Here are three players who could replace Rohit Sharma in the IND vs AFG 2026 ODI series.
1. Shubman Gill
If Rohit Sharma is ruled out, Shubman Gill would be the most natural candidate to shoulder additional responsibility at the top of the order. Gill has already established himself as one of India's premier ODI batters and has delivered consistently over the past few years.
The stylish right-hander combines classical stroke play with modern aggression, making him a perfect fit for the 50-over format. Gill has already produced several match-winning innings for India and has experience opening alongside Rohit. His ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes him an automatic choice if India need stability at the top.
With leadership experience in franchise cricket and growing maturity, Gill could also play a key role in guiding a relatively young batting lineup.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal is another exciting option who could benefit from Rohit's absence. The left-handed opener has been one of India's brightest talents in recent years and has impressed whenever given opportunities at the international level.
Jaiswal's fearless approach can put opposition bowlers under pressure from the very first over. His attacking intent combined with the ability to play long innings makes him a strong ODI prospect.
A Gill-Jaiswal opening combination would provide India with a right-left pair capable of unsettling Afghanistan's bowling attack. The selectors may view the series as an opportunity to give Jaiswal valuable ODI experience ahead of bigger assignments in the future.
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad remains one of the most technically sound batters in Indian cricket. Despite intense competition for places, the Maharashtra batter continues to impress in domestic cricket and franchise tournaments.
Gaikwad possesses a calm temperament, excellent shot selection, and the ability to construct innings under pressure. His consistency at the top of the order makes him a reliable backup option for India.
The right-hander has repeatedly shown that he can adapt to different match situations and formats. If the team management opts for a like-for-like replacement for Rohit Sharma, Gaikwad could emerge as a strong contender.
Final Thoughts
While replacing a player of Rohit Sharma's stature is never easy, India have enough batting depth to remain competitive. Shubman Gill appears to be the frontrunner, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad provide exciting alternatives.
The final decision will depend on team balance, conditions, and Rohit's fitness status. Regardless of who gets the opportunity, the Afghanistan ODI series could serve as an important platform for India's next generation of batting stars.