Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ruturaj Gaikwad? Aakash Chopra picks Rohit Sharma’s opening partner for ODI series against South Africa

If India continue their Test battle against South Africa in Guwahati, discussions around the upcoming ODI series have started generating buzz, especially after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the squad for the three-match fixture starting on November 30 in Ranchi.

Of Shubman Gill unavailable due to injuries and senior players Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli Returning to the over-50s lineup, the spotlight has shifted to one key question: who should open alongside Rohit? Former India opener and cricket analyst Akash Chopra has come forward with his verdict – and he believes the answer is clear.

Aakash Chopra chooses Rohit Sharma’s opening partner

After BCCI confirmed it KL Rahul would lead the team in Gill’s absence, the selection of Travel Giikwad added intrigue to India’s top combinations. Gaikwad has been in productive form in domestic cricket and earned a well-deserved recall to the ODI squad. However, Chopra believes that performance and continuity should determine the choice of opener and placement Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the pecking order.

Taking to his YouTube channel, Chopra said that despite Gaikwad’s excellent results and consistent domestic form, it is Jaiswal who deserves first preference in the playing XI. According to the former opener, India should follow a clear progression path for young batsmen rather than unnecessarily shuffling the tables – a view in line with the selectors’ growing emphasis on stability ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy.

Chopra emphasized that while many fans had hoped to see it Abhishek Sharma earned his maiden ODI call-up, rewarding Gaikwad’s run-scoring form was the right decision. However, that does not automatically translate into an immediate starting role.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored so many runs that his selection was almost confirmed. There was a thought that Abhishek Sharma might be included, but that wouldn’t have been fair. It is imperative that Yashasvi Jaiswal gets his chance first. Even though Ruturaj has been picked, I don’t see him in the XI right away. My choice is that Jaiswal opens with Rohit Sharma,” said Chopra.

Chopra’s assessment also reflects the team’s long-term investment in Jaiswal across formats. Having already made a solid impact in Tests and shown promise in T20Is, the left-hander offers India the aggressive start they are looking for in modern ODI cricket.

Also READ: BCCI names Indian squad for ODI series against South Africa; KL Rahul leads

Expectations are high from KL Rahul’s side

The ODI stage marks an important phase for India, especially with Rahul stepping in as captain in Gill’s absence. Rahul has already proven his leadership qualities in white-ball cricket, but this series has added significance as India look to bounce back from their struggles in the Test arena. With senior mainstays like Rohit and Kohli back and a group of young batsmen keen to cement their place, expectations are high for Rahul’s team to deliver a strong, composed performance against a confident South African unit.

Also READ: IND vs SA: Karun Nair’s cryptic post fuels selection debate amid India’s batting collapse on day 3 of Guwahati Test