Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has voiced his opinion on the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Indian squad for the upcoming two-Test series in the West Indies. Jaiswal, who has impressed across all formats in domestic cricket, holds the record for the most runs by an uncapped batter in a single IPL season.
Jaiswal’s exceptional performance in IPL 2023 solidified his reputation as one of India’s future superstars. With a strong technique and a composed temperament, Jaiswal is seen as a potential replacement for Cheteshwar Pujara in India’s Test squad for the West Indies series. Even if he doesn’t make an immediate impact, Jaiswal possesses the talent and skills required to establish himself as India’s long-term number three.
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India is scheduled to play two Tests in the West Indies, with the first match set to take place on July 12 at Windsor Park in Roseau. The selection dilemma for the Indian team revolves around whether to stick with experienced players or introduce new blood at the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
“Yashasvi Jaiswal is definitely one of them. He has been a very prolific scorer across formats, whether you talk about the IPL, domestic cricket, or India A cricket. I think he needs to be a part of the squad,” said Wasim Jaffer, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
Jaffer also highlighted that Jaiswal was in the reserves for the WTC Final and should be nurtured for the future by the Indian team management. Jaiswal boasts an impressive record in first-class cricket, having scored 1,845 runs at an average of 80.21 in 15 games. He has notched up nine centuries and two half-centuries, with a highest score of 265 in 26 first-class innings.
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“He was given an opportunity as well this time. He was a part of the team but Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma were playing, so obviously he didn’t get a chance. I feel he should be kept along with the team so that he can be groomed, and as and when an opportunity comes, he should get a chance,” Wasim Jaffer added.
The final decision rests with the Indian selectors, who will need to carefully consider the balance between experienced campaigners and emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal for the West Indies Test series.
