Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh has backed Rohit Sharma to make a significant impact in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, predicting that the Indian captain will score at least one century during the contest. The series gets underway in Dharamsala on June 13, with Rohit set to carry the responsibility of leading India’s batting unit in the absence of Virat Kohli. Rohit has enjoyed another productive ODI season, scoring more than 400 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 51.12.

While the veteran opener has crossed the fifty-run mark on four occasions, he has converted only one of those starts into a century. Ramesh believes the conditions in Dharamsala and Rohit’s current form could help him add another hundred to his already remarkable ODI record. Speaking on Star Sports, Ramesh highlighted Rohit’s star power and importance to the series, especially with Kohli sidelined due to injury.

“With Virat not playing, Rohit becomes the biggest attraction of this ODI series. Fans in the stadium and viewers at home always look forward to watching these two. I can already imagine Rohit playing those trademark pull shots over midwicket in Dharamsala. I strongly feel he will score at least one century in this series,” Sadgopan Ramesh said.

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Kohli’s absence has also opened up a vacancy at the crucial No. 3 position, and Sadgopan Ramesh believes Ishan Kishan is the frontrunner to fill the role. Although Yashasvi Jaiswal remains an option, the former India batter feels the team management is more likely to persist with Kishan, who has already been viewed as a middle-order candidate in white-ball cricket.

“I don’t think India will push Jaiswal to No. 3 right now because he is primarily considered an opener. On the other hand, Ishan Kishan has already been looked at in that role. I believe India will back Kishan at No. 3,” he explained.

Ramesh also urged the team management to hand debutant pacer Prince Yadav an opportunity in the opening ODI. The 24-year-old earned his maiden India call-up after an impressive IPL 2026 campaign with Lucknow Super Giants, where he claimed 16 wickets in 14 matches.

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According to Ramesh, Yadav’s ability to bowl effectively at the death and handle pressure situations makes him an ideal candidate to feature against Afghanistan. He added that giving opportunities to promising youngsters is essential as India begin building their squad depth for future ICC events.