Four players who could replace Virat Kohli in India’s Afghanistan ODI squad

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma (Image Agency) India may have to make changes to their ODI squad for the upcoming Afghanistan series if the fitness issues surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not resolved in time.Kohli is likely to miss the three-match ODI series due to a hamstring injury, as reported by TimesofIndia.com, while Rohit’s availability remains uncertain as he is yet to receive a fitness clearance from BCCI’s Center of Excellence. If one or both of the senior batsmen are unavailable, the selectors may revisit a few players who have strong records in List A cricket and have remained on the fringes of the ODI setup.Yashasvi Jaiswal is among the leading candidates. The left-hander made a strong impression in his last ODI appearance, scoring an unbeaten 116 against South Africa. Despite playing only four ODIs, he has already scored 171 runs at an average of 57.00. His domestic one-day record is equally impressive, with 1,746 runs in 39 List A matches at an average of 51.35, including six centuries and seven fifties. Jaiswal also enjoyed a decent IPL 2026 season, scoring 427 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 152.50.Ruturaj Gaikwad also has recent ODI success on his side. The right-hander scored a century in his last ODI innings for India against South Africa. While his international record stands at 228 runs from nine matches, his List A numbers underline his consistency. Gaikwad amassed 5,060 runs in 99 List A matches at an average of 58.83, with 20 centuries and 19 fifties. His IPL 2026 campaign was relatively modest, producing 337 runs in 16 matches.Another option remains Tilak Varma. Although he has only played five ODIs and scored 68 runs, his domestic record underlines his potential. Tilak amassed 1,867 runs in 47 List A matches at an average of 46.67, including six centuries and ten fifties. In IPL 2026, he scored 359 runs for Mumbai Indians at a strike rate of 145.93.Devdutt Padikkal, meanwhile, is yet to make his ODI debut for India, but boasts excellent List A numbers. The Karnataka batsman has scored 2,796 runs in just 42 List A matches at an average of 82.23, accounting for 13 centuries and 14 fifties. He also impressed during IPL 2026, scoring 464 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 168.73.PlayerODI RecordList A RecordIPL 2026Yashasvi Jaiswal171 runs in 4 matches Avg. 57.00, HS 116*1,746 runs in 39 games, Avg. 51.35, 6 hundreds, 7 fifties427 runs in 16 matches Avg. 30.52.50 SR in 9 matches, avg. 28.50, 1 hundred, 1 fifty5,060 runs in 99 matches, avg. 58.83, 20 hundreds, 19 fifties337 runs in 16 matches, avg. 28.08, SR 123.44Tilak Varma68 runs in 5 matches, 867 runs, avg. 2 46.67, 6 hundreds, 10 fifties359 runs in 14 matches, avg 29.92, SR 145.93Devdutt Padikkal Yet to debut2,796 runs in 42 matches, avg 82.23, 13 hundreds, 14 fifties464 runs in 14 matches, avg 61.736 SRWith the Afghanistan series looming and uncertainty over the fitness of Kohli and Rohit, the selectors could consider some proven performers if vacancies arise in the squad.