Gautam Gambhir Bullish To Pick MS Dhoni's CSK Successor In IND vs AFG ODI Squad

Gautam Gambhir is India's head coach. Credits- AP/AFP

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to announce squads for the one-off Test match and three ODI matches against Afghanistan, set to commence after the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). 

Although the Test squad is allegedly to be picked with likely no major changes, there is widespread talk of changes to the ODI squad. What would be Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future? Who will be groomed in fast bowling in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence? Will Hardik Pandya be picked after recent back spasms? 

However, the biggest question of the talk is around India’s backup wicketkeeper, where there is a race between Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson.  

Johns.

@CricCrazyJohns

🚨 SANJU SAMSON IS COMING BACK 🚨 - Sanju Samson is likely to be picked for the ODIs against Afghanistan. [Subhayan Chakraborty from RevSportz] Shami could make a comeback into the Test team.

May 18, 2026, 1:56 PM

Sanju Samson to be picked over Ishan Kishan in IND vs AFG ODI Squad

Given Rishabh Pant’s track record in the ODI format and his numbers in the IPL 2026, the BCCI is slated to move on from the LSG captain. Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson - both have been in exceptional form since the T20 World Cup 2026, where the duo helped majorly towards India’s triumph under Gautam Gambhir's leadership. 

Earlier, it was reported that the SRH batter may get a nod ahead, hinting at the end of a three-year exile from the ODI set-up. However, if reports from RevSportz are to be believed, then the CSK star will be included in the IND vs AFG ODI squad. 

Also Read: BCCI, KKR Get In A Nasty Tussle Amid IPL 2026

Samson, playing in CSK as MS Dhoni’s successor, last played an ODI back in December 2023, when he slammed a century against South Africa in Paarl. Although he played as an opener in the T20 World Cup, Samson is a designated middle-order batter in the 50-over format. Whereas Kishan can be considered as a backup opener and a second wicketkeeper who could bat down the order. 

Ishan Kishan vs Sanju Samson in numbers

Ishan Kishan has been trusted more by the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian management over the years. He was also in the squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Thus, the Jharkhand keeper has played more ODIs than Sanju Samson. Kishan has notched a double-hundred as well, but the Kerala-based cricketer enjoys a better average in the format. 

(Stats for ODI format)

Having said that, Samson has been performing a touch better in the IPL 2026, as of now. After 12 matches, the CSK star has scored 450 runs - 30 runs more than his SRH counterpart. However, Kishan has a better strike rate of 185.84 in comparison to Samson's 164.23. Meanwhile, Samson has hit two centuries, while Ishan has zilch. 

(Stats for IPL 2026 after 12 innings)

Fast bowling conundrum for India

With Jasprit Bumrah to be rested and Harshit Rana injured, the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian team management is left with limited options in the fast bowling department. Among the regulars, only Mohammed Siraj is fully fit, while Arshdeep Singh is also struggling with a niggle. 

It leaves head coach Gautam Gambhir and India with a few budding pacers as options: Prince Yadav, Kartik Tyagi and Prasidh Krishna on the basis of the IPL 2026 performances. 

Also Read: BCCI Finalises New Series For Indian Cricket Team After IPL 2026