Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has questioned Yashasvi Jaiswal’s decision to take up wicket-keeping, advising the young batter to focus on his batting instead. Jaiswal, who is preparing for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season with Mumbai, has reportedly been practising wicket-keeping as he looks to strengthen his prospects of earning a place in India’s white-ball teams.
The development came after Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad revealed that Jaiswal had been working on wicket-keeping alongside batting and leg-spin. “I myself was surprised when I heard this. It is very difficult if you have not kept wickets since childhood. First of all, it is a very demanding job. Apart from that, where is that place even if he starts? There are Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Rishabh Pant. “It is very difficult in Test cricket.
Because wicket-keeping is not an easy task if you have not done it since childhood, but I feel this is a bit of a joke. Images of the 24-year-old practising behind the stumps have also emerged ahead of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy campaign.
I am sure he wants to do it in white-ball cricket,” Jaffer said. It is not an easy skill that you can develop very quickly,” he said.
Yashasvi Jaiswal set for Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy campaign
Jaiswal is expected to represent Mumbai in their opening Ranji Trophy fixture against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Because of national commitments, however, he is set to miss Mumbai’s subsequent match.
