3 Indian batters who could break into the ODI team

3 Indian batters who could break into the ODI team (Source:BCCI/X)

India’s ODI setup has always demanded batters who can perform consistently across formats and conditions. With several domestic tournaments providing regular opportunities, a number of young batters have put their hands up for selection in recent months. The 2026 season has seen strong performances in the Duleep Trophy, India A assignments and international T20Is, giving selectors plenty to consider ahead of upcoming ODI series.

Here are three Indian batters who could break into the ODI team:

1. Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal is a 26-year-old left-handed top-order batter from Karnataka who is yet to make his ODI debut for India. His Test record, however, has been difficult to ignore. In four Tests, he has scored 418 runs at an average of 69.66, including two centuries and one fifty. In the India vs Sri Lanka Test series in 2026, Padikkal scored 167 in the Galle Test and 117 in the Colombo Test, cementing his place at No. 3 in the Test order. He also scored 131* in an innings at a strike rate above 70, pushing his first-class average above 44 across 57 matches and 4,011 runs with 10 centuries.

His List A numbers are equally impressive. Padikkal has scored 2,796 runs in 42 List A matches at an average of 82.23. He was named captain of India A for the two-Test series against Australia A in Puducherry starting September 22, 2026, and scored a half-century on his captaincy debut despite uneven bounce on the Puducherry pitch. He also contributed a fifty in the Duleep Trophy against East Zone. A batter with these numbers across formats is a strong ODI candidate.

2. Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma is a 23-year-old left-handed batting all-rounder who has become a regular in India’s T20I setup. He made his T20I debut on August 3, 2023 against West Indies and has since played 49 T20Is, scoring 1,390 runs at an average of 44.83, with two centuries and six fifties. His last T20I was on September 17, 2026 against Afghanistan.

In the Duleep Trophy, Tilak led South Zone and scored two centuries and one fifty, underlining his appetite for runs in red-ball cricket as well. In the Asian Games, he scored an unbeaten fifty against Pakistan to help India retain the gold medal. His List A record stands at 47 matches, 1,867 runs and an average of 46.67, with six centuries and ten fifties. Despite having played five ODIs for India, including one fifty, Tilak has not yet nailed down a regular spot in the 50-over side. His recent form across formats makes him a strong contender for more ODI opportunities.

3. Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan has been in impressive form in recent red-ball cricket, scoring one half-century against Australia A and two centuries against Sri Lanka A. His consistent performances have further strengthened his case for opportunities across formats. In List A cricket, the left-handed batter has amassed 1,495 runs in 30 matches at an excellent average of 59.80, underlining his consistency in the 50-over format.

Sudharsan has also represented India in three ODIs, scoring two half-centuries. With his ability to build innings and maintain a high level of consistency, he remains a strong option for India in white-ball cricket. His performances for India A and domestic teams have also showcased his temperament and hunger to make the most of every opportunity.