India will head into the third and final ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai on Saturday with more than just a series whitewash on their minds. While Shubman Gill’s side has already sealed the three-match series, several individual battles are set to dominate the spotlight as the BCCI prepares to announce India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against England.
Among the players under scrutiny are veteran opener Rohit Sharma and young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal, both of whom have plenty riding on the final match. KL Rahul, another senior batter seeking to adapt to a changing role, will also be eager to make a strong statement before selectors finalize the squad for the England tour.
With competition for places fiercer than ever, every run and every opportunity could prove decisive.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Running Out of Chances
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s return to the ODI setup after nearly six months has not gone according to plan. Recalled for the series against Afghanistan for the first time since December 2025, the left-handed opener managed only four runs in the second ODI at Lucknow.
Ironically, Jaiswal’s previous ODI outing had produced a memorable unbeaten 116 against South Africa at Visakhapatnam, but much has changed since then. The return of Ishan Kishan has intensified competition at the top of the order, leaving Jaiswal with limited opportunities to cement his place.
India’s team management showed faith in him by asking captain Shubman Gill to shift down to No. 3, allowing Jaiswal to open alongside Rohit Sharma. However, once Virat Kohli recovers fully from his hamstring injury, the batting icon is expected to reclaim the No. 3 position.
That would force Gill back to the opening slot with Rohit, making Jaiswal’s position increasingly vulnerable.
With Ishan Kishan occupying the No. 4 spot and Shreyas Iyer entrenched at No. 5, there appears to be little room for the young left-hander unless he produces a substantial innings.
Ryan ten Doeschate Sends Clear Message
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged the challenge facing Jaiswal but made it clear that opportunities in Indian cricket are limited and players have to capitalize on them.
“He is someone who is waiting in the wings because of the quality and the depth we have in that position. The first priority is always to win the series and put your best team out,” ten Doeschate said.
He added that every chance matters in Indian cricket.
“Jaiswal does get a few chances and it is incredibly tough because there is so much quality. When he gets the right chances, he has to score runs. That’s the nature of Indian cricket. There is no hiding from it.”
Those comments underline the reality confronting Jaiswal ahead of the England series squad announcement. Another failure may significantly weaken his chances of making the squad.
Questions Continue Around Rohit Sharma
Although Rohit Sharma has scored 64 runs across the first two ODIs against Afghanistan, speculation surrounding his future in India’s ODI plans refuses to fade away.
Reports suggest that discussions regarding India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup have prompted questions over the veteran opener’s role in the long term.
The BCCI is expected to announce the squad for the England ODI series in the coming days, and selectors led by Ajit Agarkar will have some difficult decisions to make.
While Rohit’s experience remains invaluable, the management is also focused on building a team capable of competing in the next World Cup cycle.
A big score in Chennai would certainly strengthen Rohit’s case and silence many doubts regarding his immediate future.
KL Rahul Faces New Challenge
KL Rahul’s place in the squad has rarely been questioned, but his role within the batting order is evolving.
The return of Shreyas Iyer has altered India’s middle-order structure, leaving Rahul likely to bat at No. 6 rather than his preferred No. 5 position.
Historically, No. 5 has been Rahul’s most productive slot. He has scored 1,517 runs in 38 matches at an average of 63.2 from that position, including three centuries and ten fifties.
However, his numbers at No. 6 are less spectacular. Rahul has accumulated 332 runs from 15 innings at an average of 41.5, with just one half-century.
Batting lower down means fewer deliveries and less time to build an innings. Therefore, Rahul’s ability to produce impactful cameos and accelerate quickly could become increasingly important.
His adaptability may prove crucial in maintaining his role in India’s strongest XI.
Ishan Kishan Adds To Selection Dilemma
Ishan Kishan’s brilliant century in Lucknow has further complicated matters for the team management.
The wicketkeeper-batter enhanced his reputation with a commanding hundred and strengthened his claim for a permanent place in the side.
His resurgence creates additional competition for places, especially when Virat Kohli returns to full fitness.
With Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul all vying for batting positions, Jaiswal finds himself in an uncomfortable situation despite his immense talent.
Such depth highlights both the strength and the challenges facing Indian cricket.
Harshit Rana Returns, But Nitish Reddy Set To Play
Ahead of the Chennai ODI, India received a boost with fast bowler Harshit Rana rejoining the squad after completing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
However, the pacer is unlikely to feature immediately.
Instead, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy appears set to return to the playing XI after recovering from a sore left thigh that ruled him out of the second ODI.
According to Ryan ten Doeschate, Nitish had almost played in Lucknow and is now fully fit.
“Nitish probably could have played the last game as well, but he will be good to go tomorrow,” he confirmed.
Arshdeep Singh, who featured in the first two matches, could be rested to manage workload, while Gurnoor Brar is expected to retain his place as the management continues to assess him under varying conditions.
Afghanistan Seeking Respectable Finish
For Afghanistan, the series has been one-sided.
The visitors have struggled in both batting and bowling departments and have been comprehensively outplayed by India in the white-ball contests.
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will be desperate to see his team produce a stronger performance in Chennai and avoid a clean sweep.
Players such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi possess the quality to challenge India, but Afghanistan will need a complete performance to trouble the hosts.
More Than Just A Dead Rubber
Despite India already winning the series, Saturday’s contest carries enormous significance.
For Yashasvi Jaiswal, it could be an audition for the England tour. For Rohit Sharma, it offers another chance to reaffirm his place in India’s plans. For KL Rahul, it is an opportunity to showcase his adaptability.
As the BCCI prepares to unveil the squad for England, every run scored at Chepauk could shape India’s ODI future.
And that makes the third ODI against Afghanistan far more important than an ordinary dead rubber.