India cricket team star Abhishek Sharma is reportedly in the running for a spot in India’s squad for the IND vs AUS ODI series which is scheduled to begin from October 19 onwards. The southpaw’s sizzling performances in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 has reportedly paved way for his possible debut in the 50-over format for India. At present, India’s openers in the ODI format are Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, as last seen in the Champions Trophy 2025.
T20Is done, Abhishek next ODI bound?
As per Times of India, the selectors are contemplating on rewarding Abhishek with a call-up to the ODI side following his performances in the Asia Cup. The report states that the selectors are impressed by his ability to deliver in pressure situations, especially after his partnership with Gill in the IND vs PAK game on September 21. Having made his T20I debut in 2024, the Punjab batter has gone on to amass 708 runs in 21 matches, averaging 35.40 and boasting of an envious strike rate of 197.21. Sharma is currently the top run-getter in Asia Cup, with 173 runs to his name from 4 innings, with a strike rate of 208.43.
However, Abhishek’s selection in the ODI squad could be injustice done to Yashasvi Jaiswal who has been waiting in line as back-up opener. Sharma does boast of a better record in the 50-over format in domestic cricket over Jaiswal, with 2014 runs from 61 List A games. However, despite being considered an all-format player, Jaiswal has played just one ODI so far and is more deserving to be in the squad for the series in Australia.
Besides, Abhishek’s selection will only make sense if India would want to rest Shubman Gill in the series against Australfia. The Punjab batter, who is currently Abhishek’s opening partner in T20Is, will be leading the Indian team in the two-match Test series against WI starting from October 2. Even if Gill is rested for the IND vs AUS ODIs, then the team does have a backup opener in the form of KL Rahul. Thus, it remains to be seen if Sharma can make it to the playing XI even if he is included in the squad.
