The exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal from India’s T20 World Cup squad has sparked strong reactions across the cricketing world, with former chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar openly criticizing the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. While much of the recent discussion focused on Shubman Gill being dropped, Vengsarkar highlighted that Jaiswal’s continued omission is far more concerning given his consistent performances and match-winning ability.
Despite impressive numbers at the top of the order, Jaiswal has not featured in a T20I since July 2024. His recent scores of 93 12 40 30 and 10 while opening the innings came at a remarkable strike rate close to 200, yet he remains outside the 15-member squad. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Jaiswal was benched as senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma opened the innings. Many expected him to become a regular after their retirement from the format, but two years on, that opportunity has still not arrived.
Vengsarkar expressed concern that repeated snubs could impact the young batter’s confidence, stressing that confidence is the foundation of success in modern cricket. He described Jaiswal as a proven match-winner who has delivered across formats and questioned what more the left-hander needs to do to secure his place.
While Vengsarkar supported the decision to drop Gill based on current form and fitness, he disagreed with the replacement choice. The selectors opted for Ishan Kishan as a backup opener and wicketkeeper, while Rinku Singh returned to the squad as a potential finisher. Vengsarkar stated that if he had to choose a replacement, Jaiswal would have been his clear first choice due to his ability to provide aggressive starts at the top.
The former India batter also remarked that he would never have removed Jaiswal from the squad in the first place, underlining his belief in the youngster’s talent and temperament. As debates around selection intensify ahead of the tournament beginning on February 7, Jaiswal’s absence remains one of the most talked-about decisions.