NEW DELHI: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has backed Yashasvi Jaiswal to continue working hard and wait for his opportunities, insisting that the young opener’s limited chances in the ODI format should not be viewed as “unfair” treatment.Jaiswal played all three ODIs against Afghanistan at home but was left out of the squad for the subsequent tour of England. The left-hander has, however, returned to the 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, which begins on Sunday.With Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill likely to remain India’s first-choice opening combination, Jaiswal could once again have to wait for a regular run in the 50-over format.
‘He should keep working hard and waiting’
Kotak acknowledged the intense competition for places but made it clear that India continue to value Jaiswal.“I think there is so much competition (for team spots) and so many players are performing. Jaiswal…we all know he is one of the best batters and whenever he gets an opportunity he performs. So he is part of the team,” Kotak told reporters on the eve of the first ODI.The batting coach said the support staff were continuing to work with Jaiswal on his game while pointing out that even outstanding players can find themselves waiting when competition for places is fierce.“As a support staff, we look after his skills, practise and his mindset and Gautam (Gambhir) also talks to him a lot, but sometimes you see, say if (for example) there are three very good wicketkeepers, only one can play,” Kotak said.“So, it is not that somebody has been unfair to him. He should keep working hard and waiting for the opportunity and so far whenever he has been getting the opportunity, he has performed,” he added.Jaiswal’s presence in the squad also comes as India begin shaping their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, with Rohit and Virat Kohli still targeting the global showpiece.
Rohit, Kohli bringing ‘experience’ into World Cup build-up
Kotak believes the presence of senior players can be particularly valuable for youngsters such as Jaiswal as India gradually build towards the World Cup.“See, it is all about selling experience. They always do that. Whenever I have seen all the experienced players, even Gautam because he was playing, the level they have experienced, and when they see some player is going through a similar condition or situation, they always talk to them,” he said.“I think selling experience or selling whatever you have learnt is a great thing to do because it is getting knowledge or refreshing your knowledge as well.”Kotak said India’s planning would be conducted series by series, with the aim of exposing the squad to different conditions before the World Cup.“So from now on, our plan is to do (planning) series by series. Luckily, we have a New Zealand series where it is outside Asia. So, there will be some different conditions – moisture, grass, all will be different,” he said.“If we can successfully do that, within a year’s time we should be ready for any challenges, any different wickets or any different bowling attacks,” he added.
Jadeja ‘very much in the mix’
Ravindra Jadeja’s return to the white-ball squad after an eight-month gap has also added experience to India’s World Cup planning. Kotak said the veteran all-rounder remains firmly in contention.“Jadeja is an outstanding bowler. We all know his records… Jadeja is one of the best fielders on a world level. The experience he has…I actually firmly believe that experience is something you cannot beat,” he said.“Like we see Rohit and Virat, we see Jadeja, they bring a lot to the team,” Kotak added.Kotak also confirmed that Gill is fit for Sunday’s opener after being hit on his right elbow by Mohammed Siraj during training.“Gill is looking good, I think he is good to go tomorrow,” he said.
