‘He should be there’ – Irfan Pathan backs Yashasvi Jaiswal to get more ODI opportunities

‘He should be there’ – Irfan Pathan backs Yashasvi Jaiswal to get more ODI opportunities (Photo by Luke Walker-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Yashasvi Jaiswal has established himself as a capable option in India’s ODI setup since his debut on February 6, 2025, against England. He currently serves as the third opener in India’s squad, providing depth to the team’s batting order.

India will face West Indies in a three-match ODI series beginning September 27, 2026. Ahead of the series, former India pacer Irfan Pathan has emphasised the importance of giving Jaiswal regular opportunities to play.

“There is one player who I will keep an eye on in this series. He is Yashasvi Jaiswal, (Eager to see) how many opportunities he gets, especially in this one-day series in front of the West Indies,” Pathan said to Star Sports.

Why Jaiswal needs regular ODI opportunities?

The former pacer pointed out that the backup opener position requires a player who has been tested regularly in international cricket.

“See, one thing is sure: Jaiswal is your backup opener. He is your third opener right now. By the time you reach South Africa (for the ODI World Cup), it shouldn’t be that the backup opener you have has not got ample opportunities. So for me to see him regularly playing whenever the opportunity arrives, he should be there,” Pathan said.

Need to test the bench strength: Irfan pathan

The West Indies series presents an ideal platform for India to assess its bench strength without risking its primary squad. India has named a second-string ODI squad for the series, with several players receiving maiden or early call-ups. The squad includes Naman Dhir, who earned his first ODI selection, and Auqib Nabi, who is also making his ODI debut. Nitish Kumar Reddy has also been included in the squad.

Pathan highlighted that India can afford to test emerging talent in a home series against West Indies. This approach allows the team to develop players who can serve as dependable replacements in crucial tournaments.

“Shreyas and Axar and Washi (Washington Sundar), they are playing the Asian Games, so they are not there. It’s a huge opportunity for the rest of the players. It’s like a second team where a lot of players are being tried. Nitish Kumar Reddy will get an opportunity; Jurel will get an opportunity. Along with that, Auqib Nabi will get an opportunity, and Gurnoor Brar will get an opportunity to take his career forward in international cricket,” said Pathan.

“You can afford it in front of West Indies, which I think is the right direction as well. And you will get to know a lot of things. Because before the World Cup, which is going to take place next year, you are going to get 11 matches. And in that, you want to see this bench strength as well. And this is an opportunity because, simultaneously, if the Asian Games and the West Indies series have come, then it’s a blessing in disguise where a lot of young boys will definitely get a chance. One more guy I’d love to definitely talk about is Naman Dhir. I really admire him. I think he’s got a great talent. But more than for his performance in domestic cricket, he has been selected for his bowling skills. He is an off-spinner, and India are missing that a little bit. Because Washi isn’t available either due to the Asian Games. Riyan Parag has concerns about an injury,” he concluded.

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