AB de Villiers Backs Yashasvi Jaiswal After ODI Snub Following Virat Kohli’s Return: ‘A Little Bit Harsh’

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has expressed sympathy for young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal after he was left out of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming England tour despite scoring a century against Afghanistan.

Jaiswal was drafted into the Indian ODI side as a replacement for Virat Kohli, who missed the Afghanistan series due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final. The left-handed batter grabbed his opportunity with both hands, finishing the series with an unbeaten century in the final ODI.

However, with Kohli recovering and regaining full fitness, the veteran batter returned to the squad, resulting in Jaiswal missing out on selection for the England ODIs.

AB de Villiers Feels Jaiswal Was Hard Done By

Speaking on his YouTube channel, De Villiers admitted that the situation was unfortunate for Jaiswal, who had performed well during his brief ODI stint.

“Virat Kohli back. Little bit of a tough one on Jaiswal, who was back in Virat’s place, scoring the hundred and now he’s got to make way. No complaints there, but it’s just a little bit harsh on players sometimes when your King comes back,” De Villiers said.

The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star added that India’s selectors are following a long-term process and it made sense to bring Kohli back into the setup immediately after his recovery.

“There is a process they are looking at. So it truly makes sense for Virat to step in there and make sure he maintains the kind of form he showed in the IPL,” he added.

Virat Kohli Returns After Injury Layoff

Kohli’s participation in the England ODI series was dependent on passing a fitness assessment. The veteran batter successfully cleared the test earlier this week and was subsequently included in the squad.

The 37-year-old has been in excellent ODI form in 2026. Earlier this year, he scored 240 runs in a three-match series against New Zealand at an average of 80, including one century and one half-century.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Impressive ODI Numbers

Despite his omission, Jaiswal’s ODI record remains highly impressive. In six ODI appearances, the young opener has scored 285 runs at an outstanding average of 71.25.

His unbeaten 110 against Afghanistan was his second ODI century, having previously reached three figures against South Africa.

Many cricket experts believe the 24-year-old remains a crucial part of India’s long-term white-ball plans despite missing out on the England tour.

De Villiers on India’s Wicketkeeper Selection

De Villiers also discussed India’s wicketkeeping options, noting that both Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson failed to secure spots in the squad.

According to the former South African captain, Samson may have been slightly closer to selection than Pant. However, the selectors decided to continue with KL Rahul while also rewarding Ishan Kishan for his strong performances.

Kishan recently justified that faith by scoring a blistering 125 in the ODI series against Afghanistan.

India vs England ODI Series Schedule

• 1st ODI: July 14, 2026 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
• 2nd ODI: July 16, 2026 – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
• 3rd ODI: July 19, 2026 – Lord’s, London

With Kohli back in the squad and several young players pushing for opportunities, the England ODI series is expected to play a key role in shaping India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.