India batting coach backs Yashasvi Jaiswal to wait for ODI chances amid fierce competition

Jaiswal told to keep working as India’s ODI competition intensifies

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has urged Yashasvi Jaiswal to remain patient and continue working hard, insisting that the opener’s limited opportunities in one-day cricket should not be considered unfair.

Jaiswal played all three ODIs against Afghanistan at home but was omitted from India’s squad for the subsequent tour of England. He has since returned to the 15-member group for the three-match series against the West Indies, which begins on Sunday.

However, with Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill expected to remain India’s first-choice opening combination, Jaiswal may again have to wait for a consistent run in the 50-over format.

“There is so much competition and so many players are performing. Jaiswal, we all know he is one of the best batters and whenever he gets an opportunity he performs. So he is part of the team,” Kotak told reporters on the eve of the first ODI.

Kotak said India’s support staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, continued to work with Jaiswal on his skills, practice and mindset. He compared the situation to having several high-quality wicketkeepers when only one can be selected.

“It is not that somebody has been unfair to him. He should keep working hard and waiting for the opportunity and so far whenever he has been getting the opportunity, he has performed,” Kotak said.

Senior players central to 2027 World Cup planning

India are beginning to shape their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still targeting the global tournament. Kotak said the experience of senior players could help younger members of the squad, including Jaiswal, understand how to handle difficult situations.

He added that India would plan series by series, using upcoming assignments to expose the team to different conditions. A New Zealand series outside Asia will provide opportunities to assess the squad on surfaces offering different levels of moisture, grass and movement.

“Within a year's time we should be ready for any challenges, any different wickets or any different bowling attacks,” Kotak said.

Jadeja remains firmly in contention

Ravindra Jadeja’s return to India’s white-ball squad after an eight-month absence has added further experience to the team’s World Cup preparations. Kotak described the all-rounder as an outstanding bowler and elite fielder, stressing that his experience remains a major asset.

“Like we see Rohit and Virat, we see Jadeja, they bring a lot to the team,” Kotak said.

Kotak also confirmed that Gill is fit for Sunday’s opening match after being struck on his right elbow by Mohammed Siraj during training. “Gill is looking good, I think he is good to go tomorrow,” the coach said.