Yashasvi Jaiswal has been recalled to the ODI squad, but he will be benched in the IND vs WI series as the team management has decided to open with veteran batter Rohit Sharma and skipper Shubman Gill. Jaiswal has been a backup opener, with only limited opportunities coming his way.

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak suggested that Rohit and Gill remain the preferred opening pair. He commented ahead of the series opener against the West Indies on September 27.

He also urged Jaiswal that he shouldn’t feel let down because of the competition and should keep working hard on his game in order to get chances.

Jaiswal’s previous ODI assignment was against Afghanistan, but the selectors ignored him for the Men in Blue’s subsequent tour of England. He has been brought back to the team for the three-game series at home, starting on Sunday.

“I think there is so much competition, with almost all the players performing. Jaiswal is one of the best batters, and he has performed in limited chances.

He is part of the team,” Kotak told the media.

The message was more about patience than competition.

Jaiswal has given his best so far, but India’s ODI team has several established names. Kotak compared the batter’s situation to the quality wicket-keepers where only one can make the Playing XI.

“The skills, practice and mindset are important, and Gautam Gambhir also talks to Jaiswal, but sometimes you have many options, and you can only choose one. It is like having three good wicket-keepers, but only one can play,” he added.

“He is not being treated unfairly, and he should keep working hard.

He will have to wait for the opportunity, and so far, whenever he has been given the chance, he has performed,” he mentioned.

Jaiswal will have to wait as Rohit and Gill are settled as top-order batters. Kotak believes Virat and Rohit’s presence gives younger players a chance to learn from two of the most senior batters in the format.

Experience of senior players can be invaluable

Kotak said the experience of senior players is invaluable for young cricketers as India start preparations for the World Cup in Africa.

“It is all about experience.

The players who have played a lot of cricket help others when they see them in challenging situations similar to what they had experienced in the past. They always talk to them.”

“One should sell his experience, as when you share things, it also refreshes your knowledge. I have seen them talking to senior players or even to the members of the support staff.”

Kotak said that India have started the preparations for the 2027 World Cup, but the team is taking one series at a time.

“Our dressing room is experienced,” he pointed out.

“Gautam, Virat and Rohit are there.

We take everybody’s suggestion and think about how we need to prepare if we bat or bowl first. The World Cup is in South Africa, and we have to think about the wickets.

“We plan to go series by series. We have a series against New Zealand in New Zealand, and our players will be tested in different conditions.

“If we are able to perform in different countries, we would be ready for challenges on different surfaces ad and against different bowling attacks in a year,” he said.

Ravindra Jadeja is still part of the plans

Ravindra Jadeja has been recalled to the ODI squad after eight months. Kotak didn’t say anything about the selectors but highlighted Jadeja’s experience and all-round ability, making him one of the candidates for the World Cup.

“He is in the mix. I am not part of the selection panel, so I am not aware of their thinking. Whoever is playing for India are part of the group who are in the mix.

“Jadeja is a good bowler, and we all know about his records. The combination of the team is the second thing.

“Jadeja is one of the best fielders, and you can’t beat his experience. Like Virat and Rohit, Jadeja also brings a lot to the team,” he mentioned.

Gill declared fit

Kotak also provided a fitness update on Gill, who was hit on the elbow by Mohammed Siraj during the net session. He said the injury wouldn’t keep Shubman out of the first ODI.

“Gill is good, and he is going to play tomorrow,” Kotak concluded.