Ashwin Questions Jaiswal’s Omission From India ODI Squad

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the team management’s decision to leave Yashasvi Jaiswal out of India’s squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Ashwin believes the left-handed opener deserves more opportunities and warned that continued exclusion could affect his confidence.

India are scheduled to begin their away ODI series against New Zealand on November 4 in Auckland. Reacting to Jaiswal’s omission, Ashwin suggested that the young batter might have to wait until Rohit Sharma retires from ODI Cricket to secure a regular place in the team. He also raised the possibility of selectors considering teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi if current form becomes the deciding factor.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin argued that Jaiswal should have received an opportunity in the final two ODIs, particularly with captain Shubman Gill expected to miss those matches to prepare for the Test series.

Ravichandran Ashwin Questions Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ODI Exclusion

Ashwin expressed disappointment over Jaiswal repeatedly missing out on selection opportunities. According to the former India international, the left-hander should have been considered for the final two matches of the New Zealand ODI series in Gill’s absence.

Ashwin also expressed concern that the lack of opportunities could affect Jaiswal’s confidence, particularly given his performances across formats in recent years.

“All these instances of him being snubbed… I am calling it a snub because it is quite unfortunate. I feel that Yashasvi Jaiswal will only get a place if Rohit Sharma retires after the 50-over World Cup. But my concern is that they might even bring Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the picture because it is all about current form. If Shubman Gill is not playing, Yashasvi Jaiswal should be the one getting a place in the last two ODIs. It is very unfortunate because all this could affect his confidence.”

Ashwin’s comments highlight the competition for places at the top of India’s batting order. With established players occupying key positions and emerging talents pushing for selection, Jaiswal faces the challenge of converting his opportunities into a regular place in the ODI setup.

“The Selectors Have Been a Little Unfair to Yashasvi Jaiswal”

Ashwin further criticised the selection decisions surrounding Jaiswal, pointing out that the opener was previously part of India’s squad as a backup batter for the triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the West Indies.

The former spinner questioned why Jaiswal appears to have fallen out of contention despite his reputation as one of India’s most promising young batters. He argued that the team management should provide clarity and opportunities rather than allowing the player to remain on the sidelines.

“Actually, the selectors have been a little unfair to Yashasvi Jaiswal, there is no doubt about that. He was part of the squad as a backup opener for the T20 World Cup that India won in the West Indies, and he is still a backup opener. Now, there is no place for him in the squad, and we are talking about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi instead. Yashasvi Jaiswal does not seem to be in the scheme of things.”

Jaiswal last featured in a T20 international for India on July 30, 2024, against Sri Lanka, according to the supplied report. His limited recent international appearances have added to questions about his role in India’s plans across formats.

“That Is Very Unfair”: Ashwin Raises Concerns About Jaiswal’s Confidence

During the same discussion, Ashwin suggested that Jaiswal’s confidence might have been affected by his lack of opportunities. He observed that the opener did not appear to be batting with the same freedom he had demonstrated two or three years earlier.

Ashwin described Jaiswal as a prolific run-scorer and stressed that the selectors and coaching staff have a responsibility to support a talented player by giving him opportunities when circumstances allow.

“His confidence is being affected. I don’t know if you have watched him bat over the last two or three years, but he is not batting the way he used to. He was a run machine. If his confidence is being affected, it is the responsibility of the team management and selectors to give him an opportunity wherever possible. He has not been given that opportunity; it has not come his way. That is very unfair.”

The former India spinner’s assessment raises a broader question about how teams manage talented players who are competing for limited places. While selection decisions depend on team balance, form and upcoming commitments, Ashwin believes Jaiswal should not be overlooked when opportunities arise.

Ashwin Says India Must Look After Yashasvi Jaiswal

Ashwin acknowledged that Jaiswal needs time to prepare for Test cricket, which may explain why he is not part of the squad for the final two ODIs. However, he questioned the lack of recent international opportunities for the 24-year-old batter.

He also pointed out that Jaiswal had previously been in excellent form, scoring runs consistently across competitions. Ashwin believes the team management must take steps to ensure that the opener remains confident and ready when called upon.

“I understand that he needs to prepare for Test cricket. But tell me, when did Yashasvi Jaiswal last play an ODI? When did he last play a T20I? When did he last play a Test match? The Test match he played in Sri Lanka was his last one. He has not played international cricket since then. The thing is, he was in prime form, scoring runs everywhere. Wherever you put the stumps, he was scoring runs. It is very unfortunate. The selectors and team management definitely need to look after Yashasvi Jaiswal. He is a precious talent.”

Ashwin’s remarks underline his belief that Jaiswal’s development should remain a priority. Although competition for places is intense, the former spinner feels the young opener deserves opportunities to demonstrate his ability at the international level.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Recent Ranji Trophy Performance

Jaiswal recently represented Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy 2026-27 match against Chandigarh. However, the left-handed batter was dismissed for a duck after facing just 13 deliveries.

That dismissal came amid growing discussion about his current form and his position in India’s plans. While one innings does not define a player’s ability, Jaiswal will be keen to produce consistent performances in domestic cricket and strengthen his case for an international recall.

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Enter India’s ODI Selection Picture?

Ashwin’s comments about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have added another dimension to the debate surrounding India’s opening options. The young batter has attracted attention for his performances, and Ashwin suggested that selectors could consider him if current form becomes a major factor in their decisions.

However, Ashwin’s remarks were framed as a concern about Jaiswal’s selection prospects rather than confirmation that Sooryavanshi is set to receive an ODI call-up. India’s final selection decisions will depend on the team’s requirements, the players’ performances and the management’s long-term plans.

For Jaiswal, the immediate challenge will be to regain momentum and make the most of his opportunities whenever they arrive. Ashwin’s central message remains clear: India must manage the talented opener carefully and ensure that a lack of selection does not undermine his confidence.

Conclusion

Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly criticised the treatment of Yashasvi Jaiswal following the young opener’s omission from India’s squad for the 2026 ODI series against New Zealand. He believes Jaiswal should have been given an opportunity in the final two matches and warned that continued exclusion could affect the batter’s confidence.

Ashwin also raised the possibility of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi entering the selection discussion, while emphasising that Jaiswal remains a valuable talent who deserves support from the selectors and team management. As India prepare for their New Zealand tour, the debate over Jaiswal’s place in the national setup is likely to continue.