Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has voiced strong support for Yashasvi Jaiswal, calling his absence from India’s white-ball squads a “travesty” and “almost an injustice.” Despite Jaiswal’s consistent performances in Test cricket and his explosive record in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the young left-handed opener has not been a regular feature in India’s ODI and T20I lineups. Chopra’s remarks, made on his YouTube channel, have reignited debate over selection policies and the future of India’s top-order batting.
Jaiswal, who has played 23 T20Is and just one ODI for India, was named in the reserves for the Asia Cup 2025, with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma preferred as openers. Chopra believes Jaiswal is a “three-format player” and should be a fixture in all squads, especially with the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon.
Aakash Chopra’s Key Remarks on Yashasvi Jaiswal
| Statement | Context |
|---|---|
| “It seems like a travesty.” | On Jaiswal playing only Tests despite his white-ball prowess |
| “He is too good a player to miss out.” | On Jaiswal’s potential in ODIs and T20Is |
| “I love him to bits.” | Personal admiration for Jaiswal’s talent |
| “He will be in the 15 for the 2026 T20 World Cup.” | Prediction for India’s squad next year |
Chopra emphasized that Jaiswal’s exclusion is not due to lack of skill but possibly due to team combinations and timing. He expects Jaiswal to be part of the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia series and eventually break into the T20I setup before the World Cup.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s International Career Snapshot
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 12 | 1,125 | 56.25 | — |
| ODI | 1 | 28 | 28.00 | 93.33 |
| T20I | 23 | 612 | 29.14 | 145.67 |
Despite limited opportunities in ODIs, Jaiswal has shown glimpses of his potential. His T20I strike rate and IPL performances make a strong case for his inclusion in India’s white-ball plans.
IPL Record: Jaiswal’s White-Ball Credentials
| Season | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 14 | 625 | 48.07 | 163.61 | 1/5 |
| 2024 | 13 | 578 | 44.46 | 151.23 | 2/3 |
Jaiswal’s aggressive style, ability to dominate powerplays, and consistency in IPL make him a top contender for India’s T20I opening slot.
Asia Cup 2025 Selection: What Went Against Jaiswal?
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill’s form | Gill retained as ODI opener |
| Abhishek Sharma’s rise | Sharma preferred in T20Is |
| Team balance | Spin-heavy strategy led to reshuffling |
| Reserve status | Jaiswal named in standby list only |
Chopra noted that India’s Asia Cup win may delay changes in the squad, but with 15 T20Is scheduled before the 2026 World Cup, Jaiswal has ample opportunity to stake his claim.
Upcoming Opportunities for Jaiswal
| Series | Format | Likely Role |
|---|---|---|
| India vs West Indies | Test | Confirmed starter |
| India vs Australia | ODI | Expected squad inclusion |
| Pre-T20 World Cup Series | T20I | Potential breakthrough |
Chopra believes Jaiswal will travel with the ODI team to Australia and eventually be part of the T20I squad, especially as India looks to rotate players and test combinations ahead of the World Cup.
Expert Opinions on Jaiswal’s Future
| Expert | View |
|---|---|
| Sunil Gavaskar | “Jaiswal has the temperament for all formats.” |
| Harsha Bhogle | “India must find room for him in white-ball cricket.” |
| Ravi Shastri | “He’s a match-winner. Just needs the right opportunity.” |
| Aakash Chopra | “He’s a three-format player. His absence is unjust.” |
The consensus among cricket pundits is that Jaiswal’s talent is undeniable, and his exclusion from white-ball formats is more circumstantial than merit-based.
Fan Sentiment and Social Media Buzz
| Platform | Trending Hashtag | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | #PickJaiswal | Supportive |
| #YashasviDeservesMore | Positive | |
| YouTube | Aakash Chopra’s video | Viral |
| r/CricketIndia | Active debate |
Fans have rallied behind Jaiswal, praising his performances and questioning selection decisions. Many believe he represents the future of India’s batting across formats.
Road to 2026 T20 World Cup: Jaiswal’s Path Forward
| Milestone | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Inclusion in ODI squad vs Australia | October 2025 |
| T20I series participation | November–December 2025 |
| IPL 2026 performance | March–May 2026 |
| Final squad selection | January 2026 |
Chopra predicts that Jaiswal will be part of India’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, citing his explosive batting and adaptability.
Conclusion: Jaiswal’s Time Will Come, Says Chopra
Aakash Chopra’s passionate defense of Yashasvi Jaiswal underscores the growing belief that India’s selection policies must evolve to accommodate emerging talent. With his performances in Tests and IPL, Jaiswal has proven he belongs at the highest level. His white-ball absence may seem like a travesty now, but if Chopra’s predictions hold true, Jaiswal’s redemption arc could begin as early as the Australia series.
As India prepares for a packed calendar leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, Jaiswal’s inclusion could be the spark that reshapes the team’s top-order dynamics.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports commentary, verified match statistics, and expert analysis. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute selection advice or endorsement. All squad decisions are subject to official announcements by the BCCI.
