The selection policies of Team India have once again come under scrutiny, this time concerning the promising young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. While Jaiswal has cemented his place in the Test squad with consistent performances, his absence from the One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) setups has raised eyebrows. This situation has drawn sharp criticism from former Indian cricketer and selector Dilip Vengsarkar, a veteran who famously picked Virat Kohli for the national side, while vengsarkar argues that Jaiswal's repeated exclusion from white-ball cricket, despite his proven capabilities, is inadvertently eroding his confidence, a crucial element for any top-tier athlete.
Dilip Vengsarkar didn't mince words when expressing his disapproval of the decisions surrounding Yashasvi Jaiswal.
He emphatically stated that a match-winner should never be dropped from the team. Vengsarkar lamented that it's 'unfortunate' that Yashasvi is being repeatedly. Left out of the squad 'without any fault of his own. ' He highlighted Jaiswal's 'fantastic form' across all formats of the game, questioning what more the young batsman needs to do to secure a place in the team. Vengsarkar underscored the psychological impact of such decisions, explaining that if a player is made to feel that they aren't needed in a particular format, their confidence is bound to diminish. He stressed that cricket is fundamentally a 'game of confidence,' which is built upon consistent performance and scoring runs, while this continuous sidelining, according to Vengsarkar, could have a detrimental effect on Jaiswal's mental fortitude and overall game.
ODI Snub Despite Century
Jaiswal's struggle to find a permanent spot in the ODI team is particularly perplexing, given his recent exploits. He was handed an opportunity to open in the absence of Shubman Gill, a chance he seized with both hands. In the third ODI against South Africa, Jaiswal showcased his class by smashing a magnificent century, silencing any doubts about his suitability for the 50-over format. However, this impressive performance appears to have been insufficient to secure his place, while he's now set to be excluded from the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, as Shubman Gill makes his return to the squad. With Gill partnering Rohit Sharma at the top of the. Order, Jaiswal's path back into the playing XI seems blocked. This scenario is disheartening for a player who has demonstrated his prowess and ability to provide the team with a strong, aggressive start, which is often crucial in modern ODI cricket. The decision raises questions about the long-term vision for young talents who perform when given an opportunity.
T20I Exclusion Defies Stellar Record
Perhaps even more baffling is Jaiswal's consistent omission from the T20I squad, especially considering his exceptional record in the shortest format. He was notably left out of both the T20 World Cup squad and the team for the New Zealand T20 series. In T20 Internationals, Jaiswal boasts a century, an average exceeding 36, and a remarkable strike rate of over 160. These statistics are considered outstanding for any T20 batsman and clearly demonstrate his explosive batting capabilities, while despite these impressive numbers, he remains outside the T20I setup. Recently, Ishan Kishan was selected over Shubman Gill for the New Zealand T20 series and the T20 World Cup, primarily because Team India required a wicketkeeper-opener, while however, experts like Dilip Vengsarkar argue that in terms of pure opening batting, Jaiswal is currently unparalleled, a claim strongly supported by his performance metrics. This selection strategy might send a confusing message to young players that performance alone may not guarantee a spot, and other factors are given precedence.
Vengsarkar's Preferred Choice
Dilip Vengsarkar acknowledged and supported the selection committee's approach of judging players based on their current form and fitness, deeming it a 'perfectly fine' criterion. However, he made his personal preference clear, stating that if he were to choose a replacement for Shubman Gill, his pick would unequivocally be Yashasvi Jaiswal. Vengsarkar emphasized that Jaiswal has 'proved time and again what a fantastic player he's' and has consistently provided the team with the kind of aggressive starts that are essential in contemporary cricket. His ability to score quickly and dominate bowlers in the powerplay sets a strong foundation for the team, which is a critical aspect of successful white-ball cricket today. Vengsarkar's strong statement puts pressure on the team management and selectors to reconsider their strategy regarding Jaiswal, particularly when the team needs a player who can perform consistently across all formats and has the potential to be a game-changer. It remains to be seen whether Jaiswal will receive more opportunities in white-ball cricket in the future and if his talent will be fully recognized by the selectors.
