- August 13, 2025
Rohit Sharma’s name has been so tightly woven into India’s ODI batting lineup that it’s hard to imagine an XI without him at the top. But time waits for no cricketer, not even the “Hitman.” With Rohit already retired from T20Is and Tests, and whispers growing louder about him possibly stepping away from ODIs before 2027, it’s time to ask the big question: Who’s next in line to face that first ball for India?
Yashasvi Jaiswal
If you’ve been paying attention to Test cricket over the last little while, you would have seen Yashasvi Jaiswal’s name lighting up scoreboards. He’s just 23 years old and is already quickly becoming one of the most exhilarating young batters in the country.
In Test cricket, he has scored over 2200 runs with an average above 50 – already joining the elite. Jaiswal’s List A stats are equally impressive, boasting an average of 52.62 along with five centuries and a double ton to his credit. That is good, not potential – potentially – that says potential, “hang on and watch”.
Sure, he’s only played one ODI so far, but that’s not a knock against him—it’s just a result of being stuck behind Rohit and Shubman Gill’s dream partnership. His natural attacking flair could make him the perfect foil to Gill’s silky elegance.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad might not have the largest persona in Indian cricket in terms of size; however, it is precisely every facet of his personality that makes him so mysterious. His style of play does not revolve around raw aggression; instead relies on timing, placement, and turning batting into a work of art. He can deal with a pace bowler and pull away without even breaking a sweat. A batsman artist for the ages.
In his role as captain of Chennai Super Kings, Gaikwad has a remarkable List A average of 56.15 and strike rate of more than 100, thus he can be a support player, but also be the aggressor in certain match situations.
The only knock? He hasn’t had enough chances in ODIs to cement himself. But if you’re looking for a player who can play the “Rohit role”—steady the innings early and explode later—Gaikwad ticks every box. And in a format where adaptability is gold, his ability to switch gears might just make him the safest pick for the role.
Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal may not be the first name you think of, but his List A stats are the kind that make selectors sit up straight—over 2,000 runs at an average of nearly 80. Yes, eighty. That’s Bradman-level territory for the one-day format.
After bursting onto the IPL scene with two 400+ run seasons with RCB, the tall left-hander has proven he can cope with pressure and attack the world’s leading bowlers in the biggest games. Although he has had mixed T20 form in more recent years, the 50-over game could be ideal. He is capable of playing big innings and has a vast repertoire of strokes, making him an attractive long-term investment!
If India is to go with a left-right opening combination, Padikkal could be the wild card that grows into the role over the next couple of years.
So, who are you handing the keys of India’s opening position to—Jaiswal, Gaikwad, or Padikkal?
