Former India spinner R Ashwin has questioned the selectors’ decision to leave Yashasvi Jaiswal out of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming New Zealand series, calling the omission unfair and warning that limited match opportunities could affect the young opener’s confidence.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced its ODI and Test squads for the New Zealand tour on October 16. Jaiswal was included in the Test squad but missed out on selection for the 50-over format.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin argued that Jaiswal should have been considered for the final two ODIs, particularly with Shubman Gill unavailable for those matches.
Ashwin Questions Jaiswal’s Lack of Opportunities
Ashwin said Jaiswal’s recent performances made his exclusion difficult to understand. He also stressed that his argument was not about giving the batter opportunities simply for the sake of selection, but about ensuring that a promising player received sufficient international match practice.
The former spinner said the team management and selectors had a responsibility to support Jaiswal and provide opportunities wherever possible.
Ashwin added that a prolonged absence from international cricket could disrupt a batter’s rhythm and confidence, particularly when the player had previously demonstrated consistent run-scoring ability.
Jaiswal’s ODI Record Strengthens Ashwin’s Argument
Jaiswal has had limited opportunities in international ODI cricket but made a strong impression in his most recent appearance. He scored an unbeaten 110 off 86 balls against Afghanistan in June, helping India complete a 3-0 series sweep.
He had entered the playing XI as a replacement for the injured Virat Kohli and capitalised on the opportunity with a century.
Ashwin cited this performance and Jaiswal’s wider run-scoring form while questioning why the opener had not received more chances in the format.
Test Preparations and India’s Long-Term Plans
Jaiswal is part of India’s Test squad for the New Zealand tour and is also scheduled to feature for India A in a three-match red-ball series beginning October 26 in Lincoln.
While Ashwin acknowledged the importance of preparing for Test cricket, he argued that preparation should not come at the expense of opportunities in other formats.
India are also working towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, making squad combinations and player opportunities important considerations. Jaiswal’s omission has therefore raised questions about how the team plans to manage the development and match readiness of its emerging batting options.
For Ashwin, the issue extends beyond one selection decision: he believes consistent opportunities are essential to maintaining the confidence and rhythm of a batter who has already demonstrated his ability at the international level.
Conversation
Be kind and stay on topic. Comments are moderated; abuse, spam and personal attacks are removed. Report a problem