New Delhi, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Yashasvi Jaiswal for a bigger role in the ODI format, saying the young opener should receive regular opportunities as India prepare to host the West Indies in a three-match series beginning September 27.
Jaiswal has established himself as India’s back-up opener and has made an impact whenever given an opportunity. The left-hander has scored two centuries in six ODIs and has largely served as the third opening option behind captain Shubman Gill and veteran Rohit Sharma.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, Pathan believes India need to ensure Jaiswal gets sufficient match time before the tournament.
“There is one player who I will keep an eye on in this series. He is Yashasvi Jaiswal. I am eager to see how many opportunities he gets, especially in this one-day series against the West Indies,” Pathan said in a Star Sports video posted on X.
“Jaiswal is your back-up opener. He is your third opener right now. By the time you reach South Africa for the ODI World Cup, it shouldn’t be that the back-up opener you have has not got ample opportunities. So, for me, whenever the opportunity arrives, he should be playing regularly,” he added.
India have opted to split their resources between the Asian Games and the West Indies ODIs. Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are part of the squad for the Asian Games, leaving several players with an opportunity to stake their claim in the ODI setup.
Naman Dhir has received his maiden India call-up, while Auqib Nabi has been included in his first ODI squad. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Dhruv Jurel are also in line for opportunities, while Gurnoor Brar has been included as India look to strengthen their bench.
Pathan described the series as an important chance to assess India’s depth before next year’s World Cup.
“It’s a huge opportunity for the rest of the players. It’s like a second team where a lot of players are being tried. Nitish Kumar Reddy will get an opportunity; Jurel will get an opportunity. Along with that, Auqib Nabi will get an opportunity, and Gurnoor Brar will get an opportunity to take his career forward in international cricket,” he said.
He added that playing the West Indies at home gives India the scope to experiment with their bench strength.
“Before the World Cup, which is going to take place next year, you are going to get 11 matches. And in that, you want to see this bench strength as well. This is an opportunity because, simultaneously, if the Asian Games and the West Indies series have come, then it’s a blessing in disguise where a lot of young boys will definitely get a chance,” Pathan said.
He also singled out Naman Dhir, saying his off-spin could prove useful in the absence of Washington Sundar. Pathan noted that Riyan Parag’s injury concerns also add to the need for India to assess their options in the spin-bowling department.
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