Team India will officially begin preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup with a three-match home series against Afghanistan, slated to begin to June 13 in Dharamsala.
On the eve of the series opener, former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra endorsed Ishan Kishan over Yashasvi Jaiswal to take the injured Virat Kohli’s No. 3 spot in India’s playing XI.
Calling Kishan "God's favorite child," Chopra noted that the wicketkeeper-batter always steps up and delivers when unexpected opportunities arise.
Kishan's redemption story stands as one of the most remarkable turnarounds in modern Indian cricket. After being stripped of his BCCI contract and facing scrutiny over his commitment to domestic cricket, the southpaw completely flipped his career trajectory through relentless hard work and consistent performances.
He successfully led Jharkhand to their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in December 2025 and reclaimed his place in the Indian T20I team. The left-hander emerged as one of the standout performers, helping the Men in Blue defend their T20 World Cup title at home earlier this year.
Ishan Kishan carried his strong form into the IPL 2026, leading a return to the ODI format for the first time since October 2023.
“Again, [he’s the] God’s favorite child at this point in time," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel. “And when he gets the No. 3 spot, I think he’ll score runs. He’s in that kind of form. And whenever doors have opened, unknowingly, it’s Ishan Kishan who walks in. He’s standing there when the door is opened, walks into the team, scores runs, and establishes himself. He always does that."
Kishan boasts a formidable ODI record with 933 runs in 27 matches at an impressive average of 42.40, including a double century.
Aakash Chopra’s India XI for the first ODI against Afghanistan includes Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as openers, while Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are slotted to bat at No. 4 and 5 respectively.
Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar feature in his line-up as designated all-rounders. Kuldeep Yadav is the premier spinner in the team, whereas Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Prince Yadav form the pace attack.
Aakash Chopra’s preferred India XI for first ODI against Afghanistan: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Prince Yadav
