Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ODI future has become a hot topic once again after the young batter was left out of India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series in England.
This call surprised many because he was recently part of India’s home series against Afghanistan and even smashed a stunning century in Chennai.
Despite that memorable hundred, Jaiswal has once again dropped from the squad. With Virat Kohli returning from injury, the Indian selectors left out the youngster for the England tour.
AB de Villiers reacts to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s omission for ENG vs IND ODI series
Reacting to the move, former South African captain AB de Villiers felt for Yashasvi Jaiswal, saying it is never easy for a player to make way once again after missing out on despite scoring a century. Is Virat Kohli above Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma?
However, the Proteas legend believes that Kohli’s return naturally changed the selection equation given his status and recent performances. Now, he hopes Kohli will continue his form.
AB de Villiers said in a video on his YouTube channel: “Virat Kohli is back. A little bit of a tough one on Jaiswal, who was back in Virat’s place, scoring the hundred, and now he’s got to make way. No complaints there, but it is just a little bit harsh on players sometimes. When your king comes back, when the main players come back, there is a process they are looking at. So, it truly makes sense for Virat to step in there and make sure he maintains the kind of form he showed in the IPL.”
AB de Villiers feels Sanju Samson was unlucky to miss India selection
De Villiers also said that Sanju Samson was another unlucky player to miss out on the India selection. The former South African captain admitted that Samson has been in stunning form, but the Men in Blue already have Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul, making no place for them.
He added, “Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul are the two top wicket-keepers. The big thing is there is no Pant, no Samson. Samson must have been close, closer than Pant, as he had a really good IPL and also, prior to that, showed signs of form. Not a lot of surprises there, but just for Samson, I feel he was close.”
It is unfortunate and a bit harsh: Sanjay Manjrekar on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s snub
Meanwhile, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has raised questions over Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion from India’s ODI squad for the upcoming England tour. Jaiswal has scored two centuries in just six ODI matches. Earlier, the young opener had also smashed an unbeaten 116 against South Africa when Kohli was not available.
Despite those impressive numbers, Yashasvi Jaiswal was overlooked, and Manjrekar believes Jaiswal has done enough to strengthen his case for a regular ODI spot. He indirectly slammed selectors for not looking at the long-term options, questioning Rohit Sharma’s place amid the reports of him not being part of ICC World Cup 2027 plans.
Manjrekar was quoted as saying by the Times of India: “Yashasvi has scored two hundreds in his last three ODIs. He made 116 not out against South Africa, then after a gap, scored four and a hundred. Anyone opening in India’s strong ODI side will get opportunities, and Yashasvi has made the most of them. So yes, it is unfortunate and a bit harsh.”