Irfan Pathan backs Jaiswal to get extended run in West Indies ODIs

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Yashasvi Jaiswal to get regular opportunities in the ODI series against West Indies to establish himself as India’s backup opener ahead of the 2027 World Cup in South Africa

New Delhi: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels Yashasvi Jaiswal should be given enough opportunities in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies to establish himself as the team’s backup opener ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup.

India will face the West Indies in a three-match ODI series from September 27 to October 3, with the home season beginning in Thiruvananthapuram.

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Pathan said the series presents India with an opportunity to test its bench strength, with several regular players unavailable due to their participation in the Asian Games.

“This is not the main team against the West Indies for the ODIs, and I feel that’s the right way to go. Bumrah is not there, Shreyas, Axar and Washington Sundar are all playing at the Asian Games. You are going to get only a few matches before the World Cup next year, and in those games, you want to test your bench strength as well,” Pathan told JioHotstar.

“With the Asian Games and the West Indies series happening simultaneously, it’s a blessing in disguise, where a lot of young boys will definitely get a chance,” he added.

The 41-year-old from Vadodara particularly wants Jaiswal to make the most of his opportunities, saying the opener should have sufficient international exposure before the World Cup in South Africa.

“One player I will have my eyes on, in terms of the number of opportunities he gets in this one-day series against the West Indies, is Yashasvi Jaiswal. He is the backup opener in the squad, and by the time you reach South Africa for the World Cup, your backup opener should have had enough opportunities,” he said.

“So, whenever there is an opportunity, I would want to see him playing regularly. Obviously, you will have to think about how you create those opportunities, whether you shuffle the batting order or rotate the players, but I hope he gets his chances against the West Indies.”

The former all-rounder, a member of the Indian teams that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, also backed maiden ODI call-up Naman Dhir, saying he could provide India with an additional bowling option.

“I think he is a great talent. More than his performances in domestic cricket, he has been selected for his ability to bowl. A batter who can bat lower down the order, can bat in the top order as well, and can bowl handy off-spin, a player of that type has been missing a little bit in the ODI setup,” he said.

“Washington Sundar is not available because of the Asian Games, and Riyan Parag has had injury concerns, so if Naman gets his opportunity, I will be excited to see him. He has the skill, but more than his batting, his bowling will be tested.”