Former Indian has voiced strong disapproval over Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion from India’s ODI squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, cautioning that prolonged bench time could severely affect the young opening batter’s confidence.
Describing the 24-year-old left-hander as a proven “run-machine,” Ashwin highlighted that Jaiswal’s momentum is being hindered despite stellar domestic and international form.
“If is not playing the last two ODIs, then Yashasvi Jaiswal should definitely get that spot. It is very unfortunate because all of this can ruin his confidence. Now, with the way he was scoring runs…” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“I can understand Shubman Gill’s situation because he is travelling. I can also understand KL Rahul’s situation. But Yashasvi Jaiswal has no game time at all, right? I am not talking from a perspective of just handing Jaiswal opportunities. I understand and agree with your point. However, his confidence is being completely ruined. I do not know, but if you look at his batting, he is not batting the way he used to bat two or three years ago,” he added.
Ashwin urges selectors to protect Jaiswal
Jaiswal’s last 50-over appearance was an impressive unbeaten 110 off 86 balls during India’s 3-0 series sweep against Afghanistan in June. While has been named in the India A red-ball squad playing in Lincoln on October 26 to prepare for the subsequent Test series, Ashwin insisted nothing replaces top-tier international match practice.
“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. But he has not been getting those opportunities at all. It has not gone to him. And it is very unfair,” said Ashwin.
“That is why I am saying, if there is an opportunity here for these two ODIs, honestly, if I were in the position of the team management or selectors, I would have gone and asked Yashasvi Jaiswal: ”This is the situation for these two ODIs, do you want to play? If you want to play, please go ahead and play.” There is absolutely nothing like international game time.” Ashwin concluded.