Ravichandran Ashwin has criticised the BCCI selection committee for leaving Yashasvi Jaiswal out of India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series. The former India spinner believes Jaiswal deserved a chance in the final two matches, especially with Shubman Gill being rested.Ashwin warned that repeatedly missing out on international cricket could affect the young batter’s confidence and development.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin called the decision “unfair and unfortunate”. He argued that while Jaiswal may need time to prepare for the upcoming Test series, the selectors could still have included him in the last two ODIs to give him valuable match practice.“If Shubman Gill is not playing the last two ODIs, then Yashasvi Jaiswal should definitely get that spot. It is very unfortunate because all of this can ruin his confidence. Now, with the way he was scoring runs…”Ashwin also pointed out that Jaiswal had not played international cricket for around four months, despite previously scoring runs consistently across formats. He said the team management should make efforts to keep a talented player involved rather than leave him without opportunities.“He was a run machine. If his confidence is getting ruined, it is the job of the team management and selectors to give him an opportunity wherever possible. But he has not been getting those opportunities at all. It has not gone to him. And it is very unfair.”
Ashwin calls Jaiswal a precious talent
Ashwin suggested that the selectors could have spoken directly to Jaiswal about playing the final two ODIs, allowing him to decide whether he was ready. He acknowledged the importance of preparing for Test cricket but questioned why that should come at the cost of ODI opportunities.“I agree that he needs to prepare for Test cricket. But tell me, when did Yashasvi Jaiswal last play an ODI? When did he last play a T20? When did he last play a Test match?”Jaiswal’s limited ODI experience has also raised questions about India’s preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa, particularly regarding the development of backup players. Ashwin stressed that the selectors and team management must take responsibility for supporting the young batter and helping him regain his rhythm.“It is very unfortunate. It is definitely the responsibility of the selectors and team management to look after Yashasvi Jaiswal. He is a precious talent,” Ashwin concluded.