Yashasvi Jaiswal's Coach Questions BCCI Decision To Drop Him For IND Vs ENG ODIs

Yashasvi Jaiswal for India [Source: AFP]

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion from India’s ODI squad for the England series has frustrated many. The young opener has delivered whenever opportunities have come his way in the 50-over format, yet he continues to remain outside India’s first-choice ODI setup.

Jaiswal was recently included in India’s ODI squad for the Afghanistan series after Virat Kohli was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The left-handed batter grabbed the opportunity with both hands and finished the series with 114 runs from two matches at a strike rate of 120.00. 

His performances included a magnificent unbeaten century while chasing, further strengthening his case for a regular place in the side, something which is also backed by his coach Jwala Singh.

Jaiswal’s ODI Numbers Continue To Impress

The exclusion becomes even more surprising when one looks at Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ODI record. Before the Afghanistan series, he featured in India’s ODI assignment against South Africa and scored 156 runs at an impressive average of 78.00.

His overall ODI numbers paint the picture of a batter who has consistently performed whenever selected. 

Across his ODI career, Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored 287 runs at an average of 71.75 and a strike rate of 97.60, including two centuries. In 2024, he scored 171 runs from four matches at an average of 57.00, establishing himself as one of India’s most promising white-ball batters.

Even in franchise cricket, Jaiswal continued his strong form. Representing Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026, the opener scored 427 runs from 16 matches at an average of 30.50 and a strike rate of 152.50. 

Jwala Singh Questions Selection Decisions

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s childhood coach Jwala Singh admitted that he was surprised by some of the decisions taken regarding the youngster, especially in white-ball cricket.

"My reaction is that a player who has played in the last two series, in both series, he slammed centuries while chasing. And we know how, since he has come to the Indian team, he has made the best performance in every Test match. In 2024 and 25, both had the best battle for India. 

But after that, in T20 cricket, he had done a very good performance. When he got the opportunity, he had a strike rate of 170 (164.31) in T20Is. 

The average is also above 35 (36.15). So he was given rest from T20 cricket first. Saying that when he came from the Australia Test series in 2024-25, he needed rest. I didn't understand that," Jwala shared in an exclusive interview with Times Now.

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Coach Backs Yashasvi Jaiswal To Succeed Across Formats

Despite expressing his disappointment, Jwala Singh acknowledged the competition within India’s batting unit and urged Jaiswal to continue focusing on performances.

"The selectors know better than us. And then, even in ODI, when he is getting chances, and he is continuously scoring runs, I think his average is more than 50. He has 2 centuries in a handful of ODIs he has played. His average would be very high. 

He is that type of player who can score big in every format. He is getting a few chances. But as a player, I feel that we should focus on those things which are in our hands. Whatever is in his hands, he is doing it very well. I am very, very happy for him. But again, the selectors also have a lot of choices in their minds."

Why Is Yashasvi Jaiswal Still Missing Out From India ODIs?

While Jaiswal’s exclusion may appear harsh on current form, India’s ODI setup remains highly competitive. Rohit Sharma continues to be one of the premier opening batters in world cricket and remains a guaranteed selection when available. 

Alongside him, India captain Shubman Gill has cemented his position at the top of the order with consistent performances.

The situation becomes even more complicated with Virat Kohli occupying the No. 3 position. India’s middle order also features several established names, leaving very little room for experimentation. 

Jaiswal’s greatest strength is his ability to dominate as an opener, and shifting him down the order may not allow him to maximise his impact.

As a result, his omission appears to be more about team combination and competition for places than a reflection of his performances. Even so, his record suggests that he has done everything possible to earn a longer run in the ODI side. 

If he continues scoring runs at the current rate, it may become increasingly difficult for selectors to keep him out of India’s plans for much longer.

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