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Yashasvi Jaiswal has once again stepped up big for the India National Cricket Team on Saturday evening against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The Southpaw scored a brilliant century last night while chasing a target of 219 runs. This was Yashasvi Jaiswal's second century, and on both occasions, it came while chasing a target.
Yashasvi Jaiswal took the fewest innings to reach his second ODI hundred, surpassing Shikhar Dhawan’s record, who did it in 7 innings, and the former scored it in 6 innings. The Southpaw keeps knocking on the door of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors, picking him in the 50-over format as well. He came in as a replacement for Virat Kohli.
Yashasvi Jaiswal knocks door of BCCI selectors
Yashasvi Jaiswal was brought back into the ODI squad after Virat Kohli was ruled out of the series, citing a hamstring injury. The former played just two matches and scored a hundred in the third and final game. He played a knock of 110 runs in 86 deliveries, smacking 14 fours and three sixes. After the innings, Yashasvi credited Rohit Sharma.
Many former cricketers have lauded Yashasvi’s innings, with now cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra having praised the Southpaw for scoring a match-winning century. He pointed out the fact that the left-handed opener has always been left out of the squad despite performing well in the ODI format as well.
He plays very well and deserves a place here- Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra stated that the 24-year-old batter is just a backup option for India, as when Virat Kohli returns, he might be out of the squad, with Shubman Gill taking the opening slot alongside Rohit Sharma. Chopra stated that Jaiswal was added to the playing XI only after Nitish Kumar Reddy was injured.
"Yashasvi Jaiswal is getting so few opportunities that you feel he is not part of the scheme of things. He comes as a replacement plan. He comes as a backup option, but whenever he comes, he says he plays very well and deserves a place here," he said.
"There is pressure. You become a part of the Indian team at this level after six months, and one doesn't know whether he will play in the next six months or not. He will be seen playing in Tests, that is true, but he is not part of ODI and T20 cricket."
"He became a part of this team only because Virat Kohli got injured. He got a chance to play in the second match because Nitish Kumar Reddy got injured," he elaborated.
Needs to be invested in a little more- Aakash Chopra on Yashasvi Jaiswal
Aakash Chopra highlighted that Yashasvi Jaiswal proved to be a key player in the ODI setup as well, but also said that there are many players other than him waiting for their opportunities in the 50-over format of the game.
"He is a proper player, and he is always reminding us that he needs to be invested in a little more. However, that's the other side of the story of Indian cricket. He still gets opportunities here and there, but then you start thinking that Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad are also there, and you will start giving Vaibhav Suryavanshi chances at some stage, and Sanju Samson also doesn't play ODI cricket," he said.
