Former Indian opener and domestic batting legend Wasim Jaffer has raised doubts regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal’s decision to pursue wicket-keeping at age 24, suggesting the Test opener should concentrate on his primary skill.
The discussion arose after Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad confirmed Jaiswal has been training behind the stumps as an extra skill alongside his batting and leg-spin, with training photos emerging before the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign.
“I myself was surprised when I heard this. It is very difficult if you have not kept wickets since childhood. First of all, it is a very demanding job. Apart from that, where is that place even if he starts? There are Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Rishabh Pant. I am sure he wants to do it in white-ball cricket,” Jaffer remarked on his YouTube channel.
Difficult to keep wickets in Test cricket, says Jaffer
Emphasising that glovework in red-ball cricket demands specialised physical endurance, the record Ranji Trophy run-scorer expressed concern that would struggle to adapt without grassroots experience, particularly with India’s tour of New Zealand fast approaching next month.
“It is very difficult in Test cricket. But I feel this is a bit of a joke because wicket-keeping is not an easy task if you have not done it since childhood. It is not an easy skill that you can develop very quickly,” Jaffer explained.
Jaffer suggested that the tactical shift might stem from a desire to cement positions in shorter formats rather than necessity.
“I think he is getting a little desperate to get into the white-ball teams. I think he needs to focus on his batting ahead of the Ranji Trophy and the New Zealand tour.”
Jaiswal is scheduled to represent Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday before departing for national duty. Reports indicate he previously tested his glovework for roughly 10 overs during a recent intra-squad practice game before the domestic season.
Mumbai captain confirmed Jaiswal’s interest in keeping wickets but admitted the Indian opener is yet to confirm his intentions.