India’s return to ODI cricket has once again brought the debate around squad rotation into focus. While experienced stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to remain central to India’s plans in the 50-over format, the team management is also looking at building reliable backup options before the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The three-match ODI series against England is expected to play a key role in shaping India’s long-term plans. The selectors and team management have been discussing a rotation policy for senior players to ensure the squad develops enough depth before the next World Cup.
India is looking forward to balancing squad depth and experience
Unlike many other players in the squad, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now feature only in ODI cricket at the international level. That creates a unique challenge for the management.
On one hand, both senior batters need regular match practice to stay prepared for major tournaments. On the other hand, India also wants younger players to gain enough international exposure so that suitable replacements are ready if required.
The report stated that the management has been trying to convince senior players about the importance of rotating during bilateral series, especially with the World Cup still some distance away.
Rohit Sharma’s position under the spotlight
The report also revealed that the team management had considered resting Rohit Sharma during the third ODI against Afghanistan. The move would have created room for Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings.
However, that plan was eventually changed. Regular captain Shubman Gill shifted himself to the No. 3 position, allowing Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open together.
Interestingly, Jaiswal has not been included in India’s squad for the England ODI series despite scoring two centuries in his last three ODI appearances.
With Jaiswal unavailable for this tour, attention naturally shifts back to Rohit. The management would ideally want the veteran opener to make an impact early in the series rather than finishing strongly only in the final game, something that has happened in recent ODI assignments.
Is Jaiswal still part of India’s World Cup plans?
Although Yashasvi Jaiswal has missed out on the current series, he remains an important part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Also Read | Sachin Tendulkar’s surprise visit inspires India Women before historic Lord’s Test win
The management is also working on strengthening the wicketkeeping department by ensuring there is a dependable backup option alongside KL Rahul. Earlier, during Virat Kohli’s absence from an ODI series against Afghanistan, the management had indicated its intention to rotate between Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul.
“The team management doesn’t want a situation where a senior player breaks down, and there is no one ready with enough game time. The issue is that Rohit, Kohli, and Rahul don’t play much international white-ball cricket besides ODIs. Rohit may get a full run in England. If his form suffers here, he may not get that run in the following series,” a source explained.
Shubman Gill backs opportunities for new players
Ahead of the opening ODI against England, captain Shubman Gill dismissed suggestions that India are struggling to settle on a fixed playing XI.
Also Read | Why is India’s losing streak growing after T20 World Cup triumph?
“You know, in such a series, it doesn’t feel like an unsettled XI. You have to give a chance to the new players. You have to give them experience; as we were talking about experience, the more pressure situations they are in and the more they do well, the better it will be for us before the World Cup,” Gill said on Monday.
He also highlighted the difference between bilateral cricket and a World Cup campaign. “You play 11 matches in the World Cup and, usually, the bilateral series we play are five or three matches—usually three. So, playing three matches and playing 11 matches makes a big difference,” he added.
England series could shape India’s ODI roadmap
The upcoming ODI series against England is likely to provide greater clarity on India’s combinations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Along with assessing the form of senior players, the management will also closely monitor how emerging cricketers perform under pressure as India continues to build a balanced squad for the future.
FAQs
Why is India considering rotating Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODIs?
India wants to build squad depth while keeping senior players fresh ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Is Yashasvi Jaiswal still part of India’s ODI World Cup plans?
Yes, despite missing the England ODI series, Jaiswal remains in India’s long-term plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
