Virender Sehwag, a former Indian cricket icon, has weighed in on the debate surrounding young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal's future in the game. Sehwag believes Jaiswal, a talented left-handed opener, has the potential to excel in all three formats of the game, despite currently facing limited opportunities.
Jaiswal has already made his mark in the Test arena, opening the batting alongside KL Rahul. However, his progress in white-ball cricket has been somewhat hindered by the presence of established stars like Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in the ODI and T20I teams. Sehwag acknowledges this challenge, stating, 'There is no space right now.'
Sehwag's commentary highlights the competitive nature of the Indian cricket scene, where players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan are also vying for positions. He emphasizes that Jaiswal's opportunities are limited due to the current lineup, but his potential remains undoubted. 'As soon as Rohit Sharma retires, you will see Jaiswal playing white-ball and one-day cricket as well,' Sehwag predicts.
The former opener also addresses the perception that Jaiswal's inclusion in the ODI team is merely a result of unavailability rather than performance. Sehwag clarifies, 'He performed very well when he got the chance. It was not like he was dropped after not performing.'
Jaiswal's recent performances in ODIs, including a remarkable 116 not out, have further fueled discussions about his role in the team. Sehwag's support for Jaiswal's versatility in all formats is a significant contribution to the ongoing debate about India's batting lineup and the future of young talent in the sport.