India will return to ODI cricket for the first time since the 2025 Champions Trophy when they tour Australia for a three-match series, starting on October 19. The series is expected to see the comebacks of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who now feature exclusively in ODIs after retiring from Tests and T20Is. Alongside them, a fresh face is likely to enter the squad, with Abhishek Sharma on the verge of his maiden ODI call-up.
As reported by The Times of India, Abhishek’s selection is being considered as a reward for his outstanding T20I performances. The young left-hander has emerged as a key batter for India in the shortest format. During the Asia Cup 2025, he impressed with consistent performances, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-getter with 173 runs, including a vital 74 against Pakistan in the Super Four.
His explosive batting, reflected in a strike rate nearing 200 in T20Is, has made a strong case for his inclusion in the ODI setup.
Abhishek Sharma’s Inclusion: Who Gets Dropped?
India are slated to play 27 ODIs in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. With Shubman Gill almost certain to cement his role as the first-choice opener, the bigger question is whether Abhishek Sharma will be his partner at the top.
If that happens, it could raise uncertainty over skipper Rohit Sharma’s long-term future in the format, especially since reports had earlier hinted that he might retire even before this series begins. Another point of debate is the position of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made his ODI debut earlier this year against England in Nagpur.
Should Abhishek be drafted in as the backup opener, it may strongly suggest that Jaiswal’s spot in the 50-over squad is under threat, signaling a possible shift in India’s opening combination for the future.
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