Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed surprise over the omission of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal from India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20 International (T20I) series against England, set to commence on January 22 in Kolkata. Chopra highlighted Jaiswal’s consistent performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) as reasons he should have been considered for selection.
Jaiswal’s Domestic and IPL Performances
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been a standout performer in domestic cricket, showcasing his talent and consistency. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, he amassed 1,200 runs at an average of 60, including four centuries. His impressive performances in the IPL 2024 season further solidified his reputation, where he scored 450 runs at a strike rate of 145, including five half-centuries. These statistics underscore his potential to excel at the international level.
Chopra’s Perspective
Aakash Chopra, in his analysis, questioned the selectors’ decision to exclude Jaiswal, suggesting that the young opener could have been given an opportunity in the T20I squad. He noted that while Abhishek Sharma has been included, his performances have not been as impactful, raising the question of why Jaiswal was overlooked. Chopra emphasized that Jaiswal’s consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL warranted consideration for the national team.
Squad Composition and Selection Rationale
The Indian squad for the England T20Is includes experienced players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav, alongside emerging talents like Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw. The selection committee has opted for a balanced mix of youth and experience, aiming to build a team capable of competing at the highest level. However, the exclusion of Jaiswal has sparked discussions regarding the criteria for selection and the opportunities provided to emerging players.
As the T20I series against England approaches, the focus will be on the selected players to perform and justify the selectors’ choices. While Jaiswal’s omission is a point of contention, it also serves as motivation for him to continue his impressive performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, with the hope of earning a call-up to the national team in future series.