NEW DELHI: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has urged Yashasvi Jaiswal to remain patient and continue working hard as competition for places in India’s ODI side intensifies. Kotak stressed that the young opener’s limited opportunities in the 50-over format should not be seen as unfair treatment.
Jaiswal featured in all three ODIs against Afghanistan at home but was not selected for India’s following tour of England. The left-handed batter has now returned to the 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against West Indies, beginning on Sunday.
However, finding a place in the playing XI may not be straightforward.
With Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill expected to continue as India’s preferred opening combination, Jaiswal could once again have to wait for an opportunity.
Jaiswal Has to Keep Working and Wait for His Chance
Kotak acknowledged that competition for places in the Indian team is extremely strong, with several players performing well at the same time.
He made it clear that the team management continues to rate Jaiswal highly and recognises what he has already achieved when given opportunities.
According to Kotak, everyone within the team knows the quality Jaiswal possesses as a batter. His performances when selected have demonstrated his ability, which is also why he remains part of India’s ODI squad.
The challenge is simply finding room in a highly competitive playing XI.
Kotak explained that the support staff continue to work closely with Jaiswal, focusing on his batting skills, training and mental preparation.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir also regularly communicates with the young opener.
But Kotak pointed out that selection sometimes comes down to the number of available positions rather than the quality of an individual player.
He used the example of wicketkeepers: a squad might contain three excellent wicketkeeping options, but ultimately only one can occupy that position in the playing XI.
The same selection reality applies to Jaiswal.
Kotak therefore rejected the suggestion that the opener has been treated unfairly. Instead, his message was that Jaiswal needs to remain prepared, continue improving and wait until another opportunity becomes available.
Importantly, Kotak also acknowledged that whenever Jaiswal has received opportunities, he has generally made an impact.
Rohit and Gill Remain Ahead in the Opening Race
The main obstacle facing Jaiswal is India’s established opening combination.
Rohit Sharma remains part of the ODI setup, while Shubman Gill is now leading the side.
That leaves limited room at the top of the batting order, even for a player of Jaiswal’s ability.
His inclusion in the West Indies squad nevertheless shows that he remains firmly within India’s ODI plans.
India’s selectors named Jaiswal alongside Gill, Rohit, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad and other batting options for the West Indies series.
The three-match ODI series begins on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by matches in Guwahati and Mullanpur.
Rohit and Kohli Bring Valuable Experience
Jaiswal’s development is also taking place at a time when India are beginning to shape their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Kotak believes experienced players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can play an important role during this period, particularly when it comes to helping younger members of the squad.
Players who have spent years competing at the highest level have experienced many of the same situations that younger cricketers are now encountering.
When they recognise that a teammate is dealing with a familiar challenge, they can share what they learned from their own careers.
Kotak sees that transfer of experience as