Abhishek Sharma likely to get maiden ODI call-up for Australia series after Asia Cup exploits - Report
Abhishek Sharma is reportedly likely to receive his maiden ODI call-up for India after his impressive run in the Asia Cup 2025.
Abhishek Sharma is reportedly in line to receive his maiden ODI call-up for Team India after his impressive show in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Abhishek, who already seems to have cemented his spot as an opener in T20Is, has been in terrific form in the Asia Cup, where he has been firing consistently at the top and has formed a formidable opening pairing with Shubman Gill.
Abhishek is the leading run-getter for India in the Asia Cup 2025, with 173 runs in 4 matches at a stunning strike rate of 208.43, including a brilliant 74 against Pakistan in India's Super 4 opener. Abhishek is also the top run-getter in the tournament so far and has left many in awe of his incredible range and hitting prowess.
As per a report in the Times of India.com, Abhishek has managed to impress the men who matter and might be rewarded with his maiden ODI call-up, which can come as early as the Australia series next month. India are scheduled to play three ODIs followed by five T20Is in Australia next month, with the series getting underway on October 19. Abhishek can feature in India's T20I as well as the ODI squad for the Australia tour.
As per the report, it was Abhishek's swashbuckling knock in the Super 4 match against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, September 21, that did the trick for the left-hander. Abhishek hammered a blazing 74 off 39 balls to power India to a comfortable six-wicket win against Pakistan. It was his ability to stay focused under pressure that convinced the decision makers of his ability to excel in intense pressure situations.
Abhishek, who made his T20I debut for India last year, has been one of the most consistent performers with the bat for the Men in Blue ever since his arrival. He has 708 runs in 21 T20Is at an average of over 35 and an impressive strike rate of over 197, including 2 centuries and 3 fifties. Abhishek is yet to make his ODI debut for India. He has 2014 runs to his name in 61 List A matches at an average of over 35 and a strike rate close to 100.
Who will make way for Abhishek Sharma in India's ODI squad?
While Abhishek might be ready to step up in ODIs, the question remains who will make way for the left-hander in India's ODI squad. India currently have a settled opening pair of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, and Gill is likely to continue in the role as he is considered the future leader of Indian cricket. It remains to be seen if Abhishek will replace Rohit or if he will be added as a backup opener in the squad.
Rohit's future also remains under the scanner ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is still two years away. It remains to be seen if Abhishek's inclusion will mark the end of the road for Rohit in ODIs, or if the senior batter will be backed by the selectors despite just two years left for the World Cup. It is also worth noting that Rohit is still India's designated captain in ODIs.
Abhishek's inclusion will also impact Yashasvi Jaiswal's chances in ODIs. The left-hander has already made his ODI debut for India and is viewed as a future all-format player. However, if Rohit stays and Abhishek takes the back-up opener slot, it will hamper Jaiswal's progress in ODIs.