‘There’s so much competition’: Kotak says it’s not ‘unfair’ to Jaiswal, tells him to ‘keep working hard and waiting’

Yashasvi Jaiswal (ANI Photo) NEW DELHI: India batsman Sitanshu Kotak has backed Yashasvi Jaiswal to continue working hard and wait for his opportunities, insisting the young opener’s limited chances in the ODI format should not be seen as “unfair” treatment.Jaiswal played all three ODIs against Afghanistan at home, but was left out of the squad for the subsequent tour of England. However, the left-hander has returned to the 15-man squad for the three-match ODI series against West Indies starting on Sunday.With Rohit Sharma and skipper Shubman Gill likely to remain India’s first-choice opening combination, Jaiswal could once again be in line for a regular run in the 50-over format.

“He should keep working hard and wait”

Kotak acknowledged the intense competition for places but made it clear that India continues to value Jaiswal.“I think there is a lot of competition (for places in the teams) and so many players are stepping up. Jaiswal…we all know he is one of the best batsmen and whenever he gets an opportunity he performs. So he is part of the team,” Kotak told reporters on the eve of the first ODI.The batsman said the support staff continues to work with Jaiswal on his game, while pointing out that even outstanding players can find themselves waiting when the competition for places is fierce.“As a support staff, we look after his skills, practice and his mindset and Gautam (Gambhir) also talks to him a lot, but sometimes you see, say, if there are (for example) three very good wicketkeepers, only one can play,” Kotak said.“So it’s not like anyone is being unfair to him. He should continue to work hard and wait for his opportunity, and when he has, he’s performed so far,” he added.Jaiswal’s presence in the squad also comes as India begin to shape their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, with Rohit and Virat Kohli still eyeing the global showcase.

Rohit, Kohli bring ‘experience’ to World Cup build-up

Kotak believes the presence of senior players can be especially valuable for youngsters like Jaiswal as India gradually prepares for the World Cup.“You see, it’s all about selling experience. They always do. Whenever I’ve seen all the experienced players, even Gautam, because he’s played, the level they’ve experienced, and when they see a player going through a similar condition or situation, they always talk to them,” he said.“I think selling experience or selling whatever you’ve learned is a great thing because it also means gaining knowledge or refreshing your knowledge.”Kotak said India’s planning will be series-by-series to expose the team to different conditions ahead of the World Cup.“So from now on, our plan is to do (plan) series by series. Fortunately, we have the series in New Zealand, which is outside Asia. So there will be different conditions – humidity, grass, everything will be different,” he said.“If we can do that successfully, within a year we should be ready for any challenges, different wickets or different bowling attacks,” he added.

Jadeja ‘very much in the mix’

Ravindra Jadeja’s return to the white-ball squad after an eight-month hiatus has also added experience to India’s World Cup planning. Kotak said the veteran all-rounder remains firmly in contention.“Jadeja is an excellent bowler. We all know his records… Jadeja is one of the best fielders at the world level. The experience he has… I really strongly believe that experience is something you cannot beat,” he said.“The way we see Rohit and Virat, we see Jadeja, they bring a lot to the team,” Kotak added.Kotak also confirmed that Gill is fit for Sunday’s opening match after being hit on the right elbow by Mohammed Siraj during practice.“Gill looks good, I think it’s good to go tomorrow,” he said.

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