India will not play another ODI until June, and this six-month gap leaves several questions unanswered about the future of a few established names. Who stays, who goes, and what could India’s ODI XI look like when they next take the field?
Afghanistan will tour India for a three-match ODI series in early June, immediately after the IPL. That timing raises the possibility of the BCCI selectors resting senior players and giving fringe options a run. A clearer picture, however, should emerge during the three-match ODI series in England later in July. With that in mind, here’s an early attempt at projecting India’s ODI setup six months from now.
Assuming fitness, Rohit Sharma should continue as opener despite a lean series against New Zealand, especially after productive ODI outings against Australia and South Africa. He is likely to partner Shubman Gill once again. At No. 3, Virat Kohli remains unchallenged even at 37, while KL Rahul should retain his place at No. 5 as India’s preferred wicketkeeper in the format.
Shreyas Iyer’s comeback series was underwhelming — scores of 49, 8 and 3 — but his strong 2025 record and vice-captaincy status mean his place in the middle order appears safe for now.
Much depends on Hardik Pandya’s fitness. If he emerges unscathed from the T20 World Cup and the IPL, he should return to the ODI side for the first time since the Champions Trophy in March 2025. In that scenario, Nitish Reddy is the likeliest to make way. Reddy struggled against New Zealand, failing to take a wicket and contributing scores of 20 and 53 with the bat. If Pandya is unavailable, however, selectors will need to look beyond Reddy for a more reliable seam-bowling allrounder.
Rishabh Pant’s injury saw Dhruv Jurel drafted in as backup wicketkeeper, but a strong case exists for Sanju Samson’s return later this year. If Samson scores heavily at the T20 World Cup and performs for his new IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings, he should be reconsidered. He offers flexibility in the batting order and has a stronger middle-order record than Pant. Should Gautam Gambhir move past his apparent reservations, Samson could be the ideal second wicketkeeper behind Rahul.
Ravindra Jadeja’s returns are a growing concern. He went wicketless in the New Zealand series, conceding 141 runs in 23 overs, and now has just one wicket in his last seven ODIs. His batting contributions were equally modest. Given his age—37—and declining impact, it would not be surprising if Jadeja is omitted from India’s next ODI squad.
Axar Patel, in contrast, remains a dependable option and would be my first-choice left-arm spinning allrounder in ODIs. Washington Sundar, provided he is fit and bowling effectively, should also be an automatic selection.
Among the fast bowlers, Prasidh Krishna began the series ahead of Arshdeep Singh, picking up three wickets at an average of 36. Arshdeep responded with three wickets in the decider, while Mohammed Siraj claimed three wickets in his comeback series. Harshit Rana stood out, finishing as India’s leading wicket-taker with six scalps in three games, including the key wicket of Devon Conway in every match, and his lower-order batting was a plus.
If Jasprit Bumrah returns for the England ODIs, one pacer will have to miss out. Prasidh appears the most likely casualty.
Kuldeep Yadav’s place is not under threat despite a rare poor home series, but the selectors may consider adding variety. If Varun Chakravarthy continues his excellent T20 form for India and backs it up with another strong IPL season for KKR, a return to ODIs is not out of the question. He impressed in the Champions Trophy last year, and competition would keep Kuldeep sharp.
Ultimately, performances at the T20 World Cup and the IPL could reshape India’s ODI plans — but the New Zealand series has certainly given the selectors plenty to think about.
