T20 World Cup 2024: Yashasvi Jaiswal to sit out of India's playing 11? Varun Aaron's stunning revelation

Rajasthan Royals' (RR) young opening batter Yashaswi Jaiswal’s current poor form in the ongoing IPL 2024 became a hot topic of discussion among the cricket experts, as he is going to represent India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

However, Varun Aaron, a former Indian pacer and commentator, came out in support of Yashasvi, dismissing concerns over the Indian opener’s form and its impact on India's T20 World Cup 2024 prospects.

Aaron argued that Jaiswal's century in the IPL 2024 shows that he is in form, and he is struggling only because of a lack of application, which he believes the RR star will rectify soon.

I think Yashaswi Jaiswal is in form: Varun Aaron

On being asked whether Yashaswi Jaiswal's form is a cause of concern for India in the T20 World Cup 2024, Varun Aaron said on ESPNCricinfo: “No, I think Yashaswi is in form. If any player makes a century in the IPL, then he is in form. There is a lack of application, which he will fix soon.”

Notably, Yashasvi has so far amassed only 348 runs at a below-par average of 29 despite scoring a century in his 13 appearances for the RR in the ongoing IPL 2024. Well, the conversation then shifted to the inconsistency troubling the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL, as the franchise has not reached the playoffs since 2014.

Aaron acknowledged the PBKS’ inconsistent performance in recent years while highlighting the impact of frequent changes in team selection. He noted: “Yes, Punjab has always been inconsistent in the last few years. If you look at their selection, especially in the last match, they did not let Kagiso Rabada or Harpreet Brar play. If there are too many chopping changes in a team, it is difficult for the player and also affects the performance.”

Speaking about RR’s decision to bat first after winning the toss against the PBKS, Aaron defended Sanju Samson’s move by saying it was the right decision given the conditions in Guwahati.

However, he criticized the lack of application in RR’s middle-order batting, as they suffered a 5-wicket loss to PBKS in Match No. 65 of the ongoing IPL 2024 on Wednesday, May 15.

The commentator added, “There was no application of batting towards the end in their middle order. If they had scored 160–170 in the middle order, it would have been difficult for Punjab to chase.”

RR not dependent on Buttler; fequent changes affecting PBKS: Varun Aaron

On being asked whether RR’s IPL 2024 campaign ends in the playoffs with Jos Buttler’s departure, Aaron denied it by highlighting the contributions of other players like Samson, Riyan Parag, and Yashasvi.

He said, “I don't think they are dependent on Butler. Butler scored a century in one match. But in all the other matches, Sanju, Riyan, and Yashasvi’s contributions are not dependent on Butler.”

Aaron also said that if Riyan was supported by the other players, then the RR could have posted 170 runs on the board, and the result might have been different against the PBKS. He was also disappointed that PBKS couldn’t utilize Harpreet Brar throughout the season.

Aaron signed off by saying, “I think they used him well in the first half. If you don't give him a match and give him one or two overs, then obviously you are not using him properly.”