Yashasvi Jaiswal has made a compelling case whenever India have handed him an opportunity in ODI cricket. India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has pointed towards the depth of the current squad as the reason Jaiswal may have to remain patient. Yet, despite his impressive numbers, the 24 year old remains behind Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the pecking order for the opening slots. The left hander is part of India’s 15 member squad for the three ODI series against West Indies, which begins on Sunday, September 27, at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The youngster’s most recent ODI appearance came during India’s three match home series against Afghanistan in June. His overall List A record also underlines why India continue to view him as an important part of their plans. Kotak acknowledged that India are not overlooking Jaiswal’s ability.
Jaiswal played in the series and produced a particularly memorable performance in the third ODI in Chennai, smashing an unbeaten 110 from 86 deliveries as India completed a 3-0 clean sweep. That innings was his second ODI century and took his international one day tally to 285 runs from six innings.
Instead, he said the competition for places has made regular selection difficult.
So, he is part of the team,” Kotak told reporters on Saturday. Still, India’s current hierarchy leaves little room at the top. Gill has established himself as a key member of the ODI side, while Rohit’s experience and record continue to keep him firmly in contention. With both available for the West Indies series, Jaiswal’s route into the XI appears difficult unless the team management decides to alter its established combination. ‘I think there is so much competition (for team spots) and so many players are performing. Jaiswal…we all know he is one of the best batters and whenever he gets an opportunity he performs. Kotak also explained that being outside the XI should not be interpreted as the team treating Jaiswal unfairly. For now, the message from India’s support staff is clear. Jaiswal remains firmly within the team’s plans, but Rohit and Gill are likely to retain the opening berths when India begin their West Indies assignment.
The coaching staff, according to him, continues to work with the opener on multiple aspects of his game while India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir remains involved in his development. ‘As a support staff, we look after his (Jaiswal) skills, practice and his mindset and Gautam (Gambhir) also talks to him a lot, but sometimes you see, say if (for example) there are three very good wicketkeepers, only one can play,” he said.
