Ravichandran Ashwin has criticized the omission of Yashasvi Jaiswal from India’s ODI squads for the upcoming series against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the two separate ODI teams on October 16, preparing for five ODIs that begin in Auckland on November 4.
Jaiswal was not selected for either squad, which has raised concerns among commentators regarding his development. Ashwin noted that this exclusion could negatively impact Jaiswal’s confidence, as he has not played since his last Test appearance on June 6 and was previously an influential performer, with an ODI average of 71.25 from six matches.
In a discussion on his YouTube channel, Ashwin described the treatment of Jaiswal as “unfair” and cited the absence of Shubman Gill from the last two ODIs as a missed opportunity for Jaiswal. He stated, “If Shubman Gill isn’t playing the last two ODIs, then Yashasvi Jaiswal should be the one getting that opportunity.” Jaiswal had recently scored an unbeaten 110 against Afghanistan in June, yet he remains on the sidelines as India prepares for the series.
The BCCI has not provided explicit reasons for Jaiswal’s exclusion. His record includes two centuries in six ODIs, but selectors opted for other players for the current squad, despite his strong performance metrics. Former players are increasingly vocal about the need for the management to provide Jaiswal with playing time to maintain his form and confidence.
Ashwin also expressed concern that continuously overlooking Jaiswal could hinder his prospects for future international opportunities, particularly with the 2027 World Cup in mind. He pointed to the possibility of younger players stepping into a starting role, emphasizing the importance of nurturing Jaiswal as a valuable asset for Indian cricket.
As preparations continue for the five ODIs in New Zealand, the immediate focus will be on how other squad members perform. The ODI series will be followed by T20Is and Tests, raising further questions about how selectors will shape the team’s future strategy.
