Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has become a big name in the Test team and built a marvellous IPL record with Rajasthan Royals, but he has had limited opportunities in ODIs. In India’s white-ball plans, Jaiswal still finds himself waiting. The reason behind all this is that India possesses a bankable top order, and for Jaiswali, finding a permanent opening spot has been pretty hard. The same thing is set to happen during the three-match ODI series against the West Indies.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on the eve of the series that Shubman Gill, who had taken a blow to his elbow during training, was fit to play. Now, with Gill available, Jaiswal is likely to sit out the first ODI.
"I think there is so much competition, and so many players are performing. Jaiswal is one of the best, and whenever he gets an opportunity, he performs. So he is part of the team. As support staff, obviously we look after his skills, his practice and his mindset. Gautam also talks to him a lot. But sometimes you see, say, there are three very good wicketkeepers in a team; only one will play,” Kotak said at the press conference.
"So it is not that somebody has been unfair to him. I just think it is part of the game. He should keep working hard and wait for his opportunity. And so far, whenever the team needed him, he has performed. But I think we do look after his skills and his practice. We follow up on where he is, how he is doing and when he is with the team. That's all we can do and that's what we do."
Jaiswal has appeared in only six ODIs so far, scoring 285 runs at an average of 71.25, with two centuries. Notably, Jaiswal, who made his Test debut in 2023, had to wait until February 2025 for his ODI debut. The first ODI between India and West Indies will be held on Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram.