Priyansh Arya was one of IPL 2026's most explosive openers. Representing Punjab Kings, he smashed 364 runs in 13 matches and could slot right in at the top of the order, forming a left-right batting combination with Rohit Sharma. 

Shubman Gill, the captain, is generally seen opening the innings in ODI and T20 cricket, but he could, in that case, drop down to number three like he does in Test cricket to accommodate for the change.

Devdutt Padikkal had a pretty decent outing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scoring 464 runs in 16 matches for the franchise in a title-winning run. 

He has regularly occupied the No. 3 position for RCB, the same role Virat Kohli typically plays for India in ODIs, and will also be part of the senior squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan scheduled just before the ODI series.

Sanju Samson has been in great touch of late, first helping India lift the ICC T20 World Cup, and then performing consistently for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. 

While these were played in a different format, the CSK wicketkeeper-batsman has represented India in ODIs before. Just like Priyansh Arya, he can open the innings for India, with Gill going down a spot in the batting order.