While Rahul's place in the national one-day squad has never been under serious threat, Jaiswal enters the match with pressure mounting on him to deliver a substantial innings and reinforce his claim for a permanent place in India's crowded top order.
The left-handed batter returned to the 50-over format for the first time since December 2025 during the ongoing series but managed only four runs in the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow. In his previous appearance, Jaiswal had struck an unbeaten 116 against South Africa at Visakhapatnam. However, the return of Ishan Kishan has intensified competition for places in the batting line-up.
Kishan further strengthened his credentials with a century in Lucknow, prompting captain Shubman Gill to move himself down to the number three position to accommodate Jaiswal at the top. However, Virat Kohli is expected to reclaim the number three position once he recovers from a hamstring injury.
That development will push Gill back to his preferred opening role alongside Rohit Sharma. With Kishan and Shreyas Iyer occupying the number four and five positions respectively, Jaiswal faces the challenge of making the most of limited opportunities available to him.
Despite being regarded as one of India's most talented batters, Jaiswal finds himself navigating a complicated team combination. A significant innings in Chennai could prove vital, especially with India's squad for the three-match ODI series in England set to be announced shortly. Another disappointing performance could affect his prospects, particularly with the selection panel headed by Ajit Agarkar known for making swift decisions.
The omission of Suryakumar Yadav not long after India's Twenty20 World Cup triumph highlighted the uncompromising nature of the selection process. Jaiswal therefore needs to seize every opportunity and remain a strong reserve option in the event of any fitness concerns involving the top three batters.
Rahul, meanwhile, faces a different challenge. The return of Shreyas Iyer after a lengthy absence means the 34-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is likely to spend more time batting at number six. Unless Kishan moves up to open the innings, Rahul's chances of batting higher in the order appear limited.
Historically, number five has been Rahul's most productive position. He has amassed 1,517 runs from 38 matches at an average of 63.2, including three centuries and ten half-centuries, accounting for nearly half of his career one-day statistics. However, another contender has emerged for that slot.
Rahul's record at number six stands at 332 runs from 15 matches at an average of 41.5, with one half-century. Although respectable, those numbers are less impressive, largely because of fewer overs available to bat. He now faces the challenge of producing quick and effective contributions or helping extend the team total through valuable lower-order cameos.
India have added fast bowler Harshit Rana to the squad ahead of the Chennai ODI after he completed rehabilitation at the Board of Control for Cricket in India Centre of Excellence. Rana could replace Arshdeep Singh, who has featured in both matches of the series.
His inclusion would provide India with additional batting depth in the absence of injured all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. The team management and selectors are also keen to assess his match readiness before the upcoming tour of the United Kingdom.
Pacer Gurnoor Brar has played both matches in the series, but the team management may prefer to continue evaluating him under varying conditions.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, have endured a disappointing campaign and have been comprehensively outplayed by India in both red-ball and white-ball cricket. The visitors will be eager to conclude the series on a stronger note, even if victory remains elusive.
Their performances in the first two ODIs have fallen well below expectations for a side widely regarded as a dangerous white-ball unit. To avoid another disappointing outing, Afghanistan will need considerably improved displays with both bat and ball.
India's squad for the third ODI comprises Shubman Gill as captain, Rohit Sharma, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana.
Afghanistan's squad includes captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharotai, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Malik and Bilal Sami.
With India seeking a commanding series sweep and several players battling for places ahead of the England tour, the Chennai ODI carries significance far beyond the immediate contest, making it a crucial examination for both established stars and emerging talents.
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