Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has questioned Yashasvi Jaiswal’s decision to explore wicketkeeping ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season, describing the move as a “joke” and advising the young batter to focus on strengthening his batting credentials. Jaiswal has reportedly been practising wicketkeeping during Mumbai’s pre-season camp, with captain Siddhesh Lad confirming the development.
The 24-year-old left-handed opener has established himself as a key member of India’s Test team but is yet to secure a regular place in the national side across white-ball formats. Wasim Jaffer believes Jaiswal may be considering wicketkeeping as a possible route into India’s ODI and T20I teams. However, the former Mumbai captain warned that keeping wickets is a specialised skill that requires years of practice and cannot be mastered quickly.
Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer expressed surprise at the news and questioned whether the move would benefit Jaiswal’s international career. “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. I am sure he wants to do it in white-ball cricket,” Jaffer said.
ALSO READ: Kevin Pietersen Predicts IPL 2027 Auction Interest In Shai Hope After His Explosive Performances
The former India batter pointed out that India already has several established wicketkeeping options, including Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant. Breaking into that group would be difficult for Jaiswal, particularly if he is attempting to develop the skill at this stage of his career. Jaffer also suggested that wicketkeeping in Test cricket would present an even greater challenge. He urged Jaiswal to concentrate on his batting ahead of the Ranji Trophy season and India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand.
“It is very difficult in Test cricket. But I feel this is a bit of a joke because wicketkeeping is not an easy task if you have not done it since childhood. It is not an easy skill that you can develop very quickly. I think he is getting a little desperate to get into the white-ball teams. I think he needs to focus on his batting ahead of the Ranji Trophy and the New Zealand tour,” he added.
Jaffer also discussed India’s bowling concerns following their six-wicket defeat to the West Indies in the second T20I in Ranchi. India posted an imposing 249/5, but the visitors chased down the target of 250 in just 18.3 overs to level the five-match series 1-1.
West Indies captain Shai Hope led the chase with an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford smashed 84 from 37 deliveries. Their partnership helped the visitors complete one of the biggest successful run chases in men’s T20I cricket. With Jasprit Bumrah rested for the series, Jaffer believes India’s bowling attack has struggled to find a reliable replacement for the experienced fast bowler.
ALSO READ: Mohammed Shami Reacts to Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India Selection, Says Missing Out Won’t Be His Loss
“There is a huge gap between Bumrah and the rest of the bowlers. Whoever you play, you’re only hoping. Mayank Yadav did well today. Arshdeep has been doing well, but he always has these games where he leaks a lot of runs. It is expected in this format. There is no one who is even close to Bumrah,” Wasim Jaffer concluded.
Jaffer’s comments highlight two important challenges for Indian cricket: Jaiswal’s pursuit of a regular white-ball place and India’s search for greater consistency in their bowling attack when Bumrah is unavailable.
