No Jaiswal Despite Kohli’s Exit? Aakash Chopra Predicts Surprise No. 3 Choice for India Against Afghanistan

As Team India begins its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, all eyes are on the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. However, the absence of Virat Kohli, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, has created a major selection headache for the Indian management.

While many expected young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to slot into the playing XI after being drafted into the squad as Kohli’s replacement, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes another player is set to grab the opportunity.

According to Chopra, Ishan Kishan should be promoted to the crucial No. 3 position and could play a defining role in India’s batting lineup.

‘God’s Favourite Child’: Chopra’s Big Backing for Kishan

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra praised Kishan’s remarkable ability to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way. The former opener even described him as “God’s favorite child” due to his knack for turning unexpected chances into career-defining performances.

Chopra pointed out that whenever a vacancy appears in the Indian team, Kishan somehow finds himself in the right place at the right time and often delivers impactful performances.

The former cricketer expressed confidence that Kishan is currently in excellent form and could thrive if entrusted with the No. 3 role against Afghanistan.

A Remarkable Comeback Story

Just a few months ago, Kishan’s international future appeared uncertain. The wicketkeeper-batter had fallen out of contention and was no longer part of the BCCI’s central contract list.

However, his fortunes changed dramatically after an impressive campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he captained Jharkhand to their maiden title. The strong domestic season was followed by a productive IPL 2026 campaign, helping him force his way back into India’s ODI setup after a gap of nearly three years.

His resurgence has become one of Indian cricket’s most talked-about comeback stories in recent times.

Numbers That Strengthen His Case

Kishan’s ODI record offers plenty of reasons for selectors to trust him in a key batting position.

In 27 ODI appearances, the left-handed batter has accumulated 933 runs at an impressive average of 42.40, while maintaining a strike rate above 102. His standout achievement remains the historic double century (210) against Bangladesh, an innings that showcased both his aggression and ability to play long knocks.

With such numbers behind him, Kishan presents a strong case to take over Kohli’s role in the batting order, at least for the Afghanistan series.

What Happens to Yashasvi Jaiswal?

If Kishan is indeed promoted to No. 3, it could mean that Jaiswal may have to wait for his opportunity despite being included in the squad as Kohli’s replacement.

The youngster has impressed across formats, but team balance and experience could work in Kishan’s favor for the opening ODI.

Chopra’s Predicted India XI

Aakash Chopra’s predicted playing XI for the first ODI against Afghanistan features a blend of experience and emerging talent:

Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Prince Yadav.

Chance to Build for the Future

Beyond the results, the Afghanistan series presents an important opportunity for India to experiment with combinations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

With established stars missing and young talents eager to impress, players like Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Prince Yadav have a golden chance to stake their claim for a long-term place in the national setup.

Whether Kishan gets the No. 3 role or not, the series could prove to be a significant chapter in India’s journey toward building its next World Cup-winning s

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