New Delhi, Oct 17: Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has criticised the selectors for overlooking Yashasvi Jaiswal for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, warning that repeated snubs could dent the young opener’s confidence and affect his development as an international cricketer.
India announced two separate squads for the five-match ODI series on Friday, with Jaiswal missing out on both despite an impressive record in the format. Ashwin believes the left-handed batter deserved an opportunity, particularly in the final two matches, when regular captain Shubman Gill will be rested to prepare for the subsequent Test series.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin described the decision as unfair and questioned why Jaiswal was not considered to fill the vacancy created by Gill’s absence.
“Actually, Vimal bhai, the selectors have been a little unfair to Yashasvi Jaiswal,” Ashwin said, adding that the opener should have been given a chance in the last two ODIs.
Jaiswal, who has established himself as a promising batter across formats, has played only six ODIs since making his debut against England in February 2025. He has scored 285 runs at an impressive average of 71.25, including two centuries, with a highest score of 116 not out.
His most recent ODI appearance came against Afghanistan in June, when he remained unbeaten on 110. Despite those numbers, he has struggled to secure a regular place in India’s one-day plans and was also left out of the playing XI for the opening ODI against the West Indies.
Ashwin expressed concern that the lack of opportunities was beginning to affect the youngster’s confidence. Recalling Jaiswal’s earlier performances, the former spinner said the opener had once been a prolific run-scorer but was no longer batting with the same assurance.
“He used to be a run machine,” Ashwin said, highlighting the importance of regular opportunities in maintaining a young player’s confidence and momentum.
He added that the responsibility rested with the selectors and team management to ensure that a promising player was not left on the sidelines for an extended period.
“If his confidence is taking a hit, then it’s the responsibility of the team management and the selectors to find opportunities for him wherever possible,” Ashwin said, describing Jaiswal as a “precious talent”.
The former India international also pointed out that Jaiswal’s position in the team’s plans appeared largely unchanged since India’s T20 World Cup campaign in the West Indies, where he was considered a reserve opener.
Ashwin suggested that the youngster could have to wait until Rohit Sharma eventually steps away from ODI cricket after the 2027 World Cup to receive a sustained opportunity at the top of the order.
He also warned that the emergence of another promising batter could complicate Jaiswal’s prospects. Ashwin mentioned Vaibhav Suryavanshi as a potential contender, given the youngster’s current form, and cautioned that selectors might look towards fresh options before Jaiswal gets an extended run.
India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand comprises five ODIs, five T20 Internationals and two Tests. Gill will lead the side in the first three ODIs before Shreyas Iyer takes charge for the final two matches, with Ishan Kishan serving as vice-captain.
While workload management and preparations for the Test series could influence selection decisions, Jaiswal’s continued absence has raised questions about his immediate future in India’s ODI setup.
With the 2027 World Cup approaching, regular exposure to international cricket could prove crucial for the opener.
Ashwin’s criticism underlines the need to balance competition for places with the development of young talent, particularly when a player’s limited opportunities have yielded encouraging results.
For Jaiswal, the challenge now is to remain ready for his next chance, while the selectors must decide how best to utilise a batter whose limited ODI record suggests considerable potential. (Agencies)