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Former India opener and Mumbai batting legend Wasim Jaffer has warned Yashasvi Jaiswal over his latest move before the Ranji Trophy 2026-27. Jaffer called Yashasvi Jaiswal’s attempt to learn wicketkeeping a “joke” before issuing a stern warning.
The left-handed opener has been practicing wicketkeeping during Mumbai’s pre-season camp for the Ranji Trophy 2026-27, as confirmed by Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad.
However, Jaffer feels that learning a new skill at the age of 24 could create more challenges for Jaiswal than opportunities. Earlier, "Hungry Lion": Ravichandran Ashwin's strong take on Shai Hope's bowling strategy against Sanju Samson.
Wasim Jaffer shows mirror to Yashasvi Jaiswal over his wicketkeeping ambitions
Wasim Jaffer believes that Yashasvi Jaiswal may be trying to find another way into India’s white-ball teams, where he is yet to secure a regular place.
He has warned that wicketkeeping is a demanding job and cannot be mastered quickly, especially by someone who has not done it since childhood.
The former Indian batter also questioned where Jaiswal would fit in as a wicketkeeper, given the competition from Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Rishabh Pant.
Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer said, "I myself was surprised when I heard this. It is very difficult if you have not kept wickets since childhood. First of all, it is a very demanding job. Apart from that, where is that place even if he starts? There are Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Rishabh Pant. I am sure he wants to do it in white-ball cricket.”
Wasim Jaffer sends strong advice to Yashasvi Jaiswal
He feels that playing as a wicketkeeper in Tests would be even more difficult and has advised Jaiswal to concentrate on his batting. The left-handed batter has already established himself as a regular member of India’s Test team, but his place in the white-ball sides is still not secure.
Jaffer further explained, “It is very difficult in Test cricket. But I feel this is a bit of a joke because wicketkeeping is not an easy task if you have not done it since childhood. It is not an easy skill that you can develop very quickly. I think he is getting a little desperate to get into the white-ball teams. I think he needs to focus on his batting ahead of the Ranji Trophy and the New Zealand tour.”
Wasim Jaffer exposes India’s bowling concerns
Jaffer also shared his views on India’s bowling problems after the team suffered a shocking six-wicket defeat against the West Indies in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday. India scored a massive 249/5, but the visitors chased down the target of 250 in just 18.3 overs in Ranchi.
Shai Hope smashed an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford scored 84 off just 37 deliveries. Their powerful batting helped the West Indies record the second-highest successful run chase in men’s T20I cricket and level the five-match series 1-1.
No one is even close to Jasprit Bumrah: Jaffer
Jaffer believes India’s bowling attack misses Jasprit Bumrah badly when the senior fast bowler is rested. Bumrah has been given a break for the ongoing five-match T20I series, and Jaffer feels there is a big difference between him and the other Indian bowlers.
He signed off by saying, “There is a huge gap between Bumrah and the rest of the bowlers. Whoever you play, you're only hoping. Mayank Yadav did well today. Arshdeep has been doing well, but he always has these games where he leaks a lot of runs. It is expected in this format. There is no one who is even close to Bumrah.”
