R Ashwin and Yashasvi Jaiswal
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin called the decision “unfair and unfortunate”. Ravichandran Ashwin has criticised the BCCI selection committee for leaving Yashasvi Jaiswal out of India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series. The former India spinner believes Jaiswal deserved a chance in the final two matches, especially with Shubman Gill being rested. He argued that while Jaiswal may need time to prepare for the upcoming Test series, the selectors could still have included him in the last two ODIs to give him valuable match practice.
He said the team management should make efforts to keep a talented player involved rather than leave him without opportunities. “He was a run machine. If his confidence is getting ruined, it is the job of the team management and selectors to give him an opportunity wherever possible. “I agree 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 T20? When did he last play a Test match? Jaiswal’s limited ODI experience has also raised questions about India’s preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa, particularly regarding the development of backup players. Ashwin stressed that the selectors and team management must take responsibility for supporting the young batter and helping him regain his rhythm. “It is very unfortunate. It is definitely the responsibility of the selectors and team management to look after Yashasvi Jaiswal. He is a precious talent,” Ashwin concluded.
Ashwin also pointed out that Jaiswal had not played international cricket for around four months, despite previously scoring runs consistently across formats.