Yashasvi Jaiswal needs more ODI chances as an off-spinner before World Cup 2027: Pathan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Yashasvi Jaiswal should get enough chances as a back-up starter in the upcoming ODI series against West Indies as India prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

India will take on the West Indies in a three-match ODI series from September 27 to October 3, with Thiruvananthapuram as the first match. Pathan feels the series will give India a good opportunity to test their strength on the bench as several regulars are unavailable due to the Asian Games.

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

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

PATHAN ENTERS JAISHWAL

Pathan said he will keep a close eye on Jaiswal and the number of opportunities the opener gets during the series. Jaiswal has been selected as the back-up starter for the West Indies ODIs and Pathan believes India should give him plenty of game time ahead of the World Cup in South Africa next year.

“One player I will be keeping an eye on in terms of the number of opportunities he will get in this one-day series against the West Indies is Yashasvi Jaiswal. He is the midfielder in the team and by the time you get to South Africa for the World Cup, your midfielder should have plenty of opportunities,” he said.

Pathan said India can rotate players or change the batting order to give Jaiswal more chances.

“So, whenever the opportunity arises, I would like to see him play regularly. Obviously you have to think about how you create those opportunities, whether you mix up the batting order or rotate players, but I hope he gets his chances against the West Indies.”

DHIR GETS PATHAN SUPPORT

Pathan also supported Naman Dhir, who earned his maiden ODI call-up for the West Indies series.

The former India all-rounder feels that Dhir could offer the team another bowling option along with his ability to bat in various positions.

“I think he’s a big talent. He was picked for his bowling ability more than his performance in domestic cricket. A batsman who can bat lower down the order, can bat in the top order and can mix it up cleverly off-spin, that type of player is a bit lacking in the ODI set-up,” he said.

Pathan believes Dhir could get his chance with Washington Sundar unavailable for the Asian Games and Riyan Parag struggling with injuries.

“Washington Sundar is unavailable for the Asian Games and Riyan Parag has had injury concerns, so if Naman gets an opportunity I will be excited to see him. He has the skills but more than his batting, his bowling will be tested.”

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

20 Sep 2026 22:08 IST