Jaiswal needs more game time before WC if he is in the plans: Yuvraj
New Delhi, July 20
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has urged the team management to give Yashasvi Jaiswal a longer run in the ODI setup ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, warning that a lack of match practice could leave the young opener under immense pressure if called upon during the tournament.
Speaking amid discussions around India's squad composition following the ODI series against England, Yuvraj said his biggest concern was not the absence of senior players but the limited opportunities being given to Jaiswal despite his recent performances.
"From a player's point of view, it hurts when you're not there. From another perspective, you can understand that maybe they wanted younger players. At that time, there were Dhoni and I, both 36 or 37, going into the World Cup, and the team management had to make a decision," Yuvraj told JioStar.
Drawing from his own experience ahead of the 2019 World Cup cycle, Yuvraj said difficult selection calls are part of international cricket, but stressed that India's planning for the next global event must ensure that reserve players are adequately prepared.
"More than Virat and Rohit, my concern is that Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has scored two hundreds in the last four games, is not starting. If the World Cup comes and he hasn't had enough game time, he's suddenly going to feel the pressure. Somewhere down the line, he needs more game time before the World Cup if he is in the plans," he added.
Yuvraj noted that unforeseen injuries can force teams to make last-minute changes, exposing inexperienced players to the biggest stage.
"If someone gets injured, then what do you do? We've seen that happen before. In the 2019 World Cup, an injury meant two young players came in without enough experience. You don't want to make the same mistakes of the past," he stated.
Jaiswal has impressed whenever given opportunities in recent ODIs, but has not been a regular starter as India continue to finalise combinations ahead of the World Cup.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Yuvraj is right about the team planning—we can't just rely on the same top order every time. Injuries happen, form dips, and then you're stuck with someone who hasn't played any ODI cricket in months. Jaiswal is a gem, and the management should integrate him properly rather than treat him like a spare tyre. Let the boy play!
Interesting perspective from Yuvraj. I get the logic of giving Jaiswal more game time, but isn't it also about the balance of the team? If performances are there, he should be in. However, the Indian team has a lot of options, and it's not always easy to fit everyone. Management needs to be clear on what they want.
This is a classic Indian cricket conundrum. We have so much talent, but we never give youngsters a consistent run. Yuvraj knows a thing or two about World Cup pressure. If Jaiswal is in the plans, play him in every possible ODI before the World Cup. Otherwise, what's the point of having him in the squad? 🤔
Yuvraj makes a valid point about the 2019 World Cup mistake. India's preparation for that tournament was poor, especially regarding backup players. Jaiswal is a special talent, and you don't want to waste that. But I also think the current management needs to be more proactive in rotating the squad. A good discussion.
Honestly, I think Yuvraj is right up to a point, but we
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