Former India off‑spinner R Ashwin expressed displeasure on his YouTube channel after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Yashasvi Jaiswal would not be part of the five‑match One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, which begins on November 4. Ashwin argued that the Mumbai‑born batter’s omission is unjust and could erode the confidence he has built through recent performances.
Ashwin’s criticism of the selection
Speaking directly to his audience, Ashwin highlighted that the decision to leave Jaiswal out of the squad comes at a time when senior openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma are already set to miss the final two ODIs. “If Gill is not playing the last two ODIs, then Jaiswal should definitely get that spot,” Ashwin said, describing the move as “very unfortunate” and potentially damaging to the youngster’s confidence. He added that the lack of game time is not a matter of merely handing opportunities, but of preserving a player’s form and mental state.
Ashwin also referenced the broader context of the series, noting that the Tests, slated to start on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, have been given priority by the selectors. He questioned whether the decision to keep Jaiswal in the India A side for the upcoming New Zealand A series, rather than the senior ODI team, truly serves the player’s development. “There can be no substitute for international matches,” he argued, underscoring the difference between domestic or ‘A’ level cricket and full‑fledged senior internationals.
Implications for Jaiswal’s development
Jaiswal, 24, entered the conversation after delivering two centuries in the last three ODIs he played – one against South Africa and another against Afghanistan. Those innings, according to Ashwin, demonstrated that he is a “run machine” capable of influencing matches. Yet, despite that recent form, he has been left out of the senior ODI squad because the opening slots are occupied by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Ashwin pointed out that Jaiswal’s recent lack of exposure to the 50‑over format could affect his confidence. He asked rhetorically, “When did Yashasvi Jaiswal last play an ODI? When did he last play a T20? When did he last play a Test match? The one he played in Sri Lanka was his last Test.” The implication is clear: without regular international fixtures, a player who has previously excelled may see a decline in performance levels that were evident two or three years ago.
In addition to the ODI concerns, Ashwin highlighted that Jaiswal is currently a “one‑format player, representing India in Tests.” While the former spinner acknowledged the need for Jaiswal to prepare for red‑ball cricket, he maintained that the player’s recent success in limited‑overs cricket warrants inclusion in the upcoming ODIs, especially given the reduced presence of senior openers.
India’s upcoming schedule and priorities
The BCCI’s squad announcement on Friday evening made it evident that the immediate focus is on the Test series against New Zealand, a series that could determine India’s qualification for the World Test Championship final. The selection committee appears to be safeguarding the team’s chances by retaining a “Gill‑led side” for the first three ODIs, then withdrawing Gill, KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna and Anshul Kamboj for the final two matches to give them additional red‑ball practice.
Under this plan, Jaiswal would continue his preparation by playing for India A against New Zealand A, a route that Ashwin believes does not replace the experience of senior international competition. He warned that the decision to deny Jaiswal any ODI minutes could “ruin his confidence,” especially after the player’s recent run‑scoring exploits.
While the board’s strategy prioritises the Test series – a logical move given the stakes of the World Test Championship – Ashwin’s comments highlight a tension between immediate Test preparation and the longer‑term nurturing of emerging talent. The former spinner’s remarks suggest that a balanced approach, which includes giving promising players like Jaiswal exposure in the 50‑over format, could benefit both the individual and the national side.
As the ODI series approaches, the cricketing community will watch closely to see whether the selectors adjust their plans or stick to the current blueprint. For Jaiswal, the next few weeks could prove pivotal: a strong showing for India A may keep his name in contention, but missing out on senior ODI action may indeed affect the momentum he built with back‑to‑back centuries against South Africa and Afghanistan.
In summary, R Ashwin’s public criticism underscores a broader debate about player management, confidence, and the balance between Test and limited‑overs priorities for India. Whether the board revisits its decision before the final two ODIs remains to be seen, but the conversation has already drawn attention to the importance of providing consistent opportunities to young talent in a highly competitive international environment.
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