Aakash Chopra picks Rohit Sharma’s opening partner for IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has picked Yashasvi Jaiswal as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner for the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Ruturaj Gaikwad has also been added to the ODI squad after Shubman Gill was ruled out with a neck spasm.

Chopra reckons Gaikwad will not get his chances in the ODI series. Meanwhile, Jaiswal has been waiting in the wings and he would look to grab his opportunity with both hands. The left-hander has definitely shown the skills to play all three formats of the game for the national team.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored so many runs that his selection was almost confirmed. There was a thought that could Abhishek Sharma come in. But you cannot do that. It is imperative for Yashasvi Jaiswal to get his chance first. Even though Ruturaj has been picked in the squad, I don’t think he will part of the XI. I see Jaiswal opening the innings with Rohit Sharma.”

On the other hand, the renowned commentator said he is not able to understand Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role in the team. Reddy is playing the second Test match against South Africa but hasn’t bowled consistently.

“Till now I am not able to understand what the team wants Nitish Kumar Reddy to do. It’s the same theme in Test cricket as well. They get him to bat sometimes and bowl sometimes. On the day, he gets a chance to bat, they forget to bowl him. And when he bowls, he doesn’t bat. When he bats, he can’t make runs and he is not given enough overs to try and take wickets.

“He has played 10 matches, but one is still not able to understand his role. He bowled six out of 150 overs [in the ongoing Test]. In Delhi [against West Indies], he did no bowl a single over. It’s a very strange one. Anyways, Hardik Pandya is not there, so this will be his opportunity,” Chopra concluded.

The first ODI between India and South Africa will be played at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, on Sunday.