Overview

• Times of India reports that Abhishek Sharma is likely to be added to India’s ODI squad for Australia, though the BCCI has not confirmed the move.
• Sharma leads the Asia Cup run charts with 173 in four innings at a strike rate above 200, including a pivotal partnership with Shubman Gill against Pakistan on September 21.
• Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill remain India’s first-choice ODI openers, with KL Rahul available, so any debut XI chance may hinge on Gill being rested.
• Some observers warn that picking Sharma could sideline Yashasvi Jaiswal, even as Sharma’s List A record stands at 2,014 runs from 61 matches.
• The Australia tour runs from October 19 to November 8 with three ODIs and five T20Is, creating a potential window for a first 50-over outing if selected.