In one of our previous articles, we did suggest Yashasvi Jaiswal to be a part of the next Fab Four once the likes of Smith, Root, Kohli and Rohit retire totally. However, because of a settled Indian lineup, Jaiswal might be restricted to playing only Tests for now. However, that does not mean he should give up hope.
The ODI series against West Indies has been earmarked as India’s preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit Sharma. Shubman Gill. Virat Kohli. KL Rahul. Ravindra Jadeja. Kuldeep Yadav. Jasprit Bumrah. That’s 7 players who auto-select themselves in India’s desired playing XI for the World Cup.
Now, because Jaiswal primarily plays as an opener or in the top 3, he will struggle to find a place in this eleven. It does appear a bit odd that a player with immense IPL experience, and a Test regular, has to wait for the door to be opened. But it is what it is.
Not being selected does not mean that the UP-based Mumbai cricketer does not have the white-ball credentials. After starting slowly in his ODI career, consisting of 6 appearances, Yashasvi hammered 2 centuries in his last 3 innings. So, the problem is not the talent. It is the positioning.
Because of the likes of Rohit, Gill, Kohli and Rahul, there is absolutely no place in the top four. Barring a few games in the Under19 arena, Yashasvi Jaiswal has predominantly batted in the top 3. Hence, it is understandable that the selectors are eyeing him as a top-order batter only.
Hence, barring a one-odd game here and there, Jaiswal may not get a chance to play for India in the 50-over format. Should there be a change in approach then? Should Jaiswal try and explore options such as a finisher or a middle-order batter?
It is tough to be in the shoes of Jaiswal right now. Given his talent and consistency, one can’t blame him if he feels that despite his best efforts, he just keeps getting overlooked. In all likelihood, he will not find a place in the World Cup squad, or at best, be in the reserves. But then, that is not the end of the world.
What is Jaiswal’s age? Just 24. That’s right. He has got at least 15-16 years of cricket left in him and say, roughly, 3-4 ODI World Cups after 2027. Without a doubt, there is going to be a massive void after the retirements of Ro-Ko. Yashasvi just needs to be patient.
And Yashasvi Jaiswal does not need to go far to learn how to bide one’s time. He can find an excellent guide in Rohit Sharma. Despite his heroics in the 2007 T20 World Cup, Rohit had to wait for 8 years to feature in his first ODI World Cup, in 2015. And once he played his first World Cup, the rest, as they say, became history.
We still maintain that Yashasvi Jaiswal can and will be a part of the next Fab Four and lead India’s batting strength. He just needs to be patient and wait for his chance. Sometimes, a long wait is just the sign of a terrific future in store.
Add Comment