Virender Sehwag, a former Indian cricket star, has weighed in on the debate surrounding young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal's potential to excel across all three formats of the game. While Jaiswal has been a regular in the Test team, opening the batting alongside KL Rahul, his opportunities in white-ball cricket have been limited. This is despite his impressive performance in the limited-overs formats, including a stellar 116 not out in his ODI debut.
Sehwag, known for his bold opinions, believes Jaiswal's talent is undeniable and should be nurtured across all formats. He argues that the current Indian team's depth at the top order, particularly in ODIs and T20Is, makes it challenging for Jaiswal to break into the starting XI. Sehwag highlights the presence of established players like Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in the ODI team, and Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson in the T20I squad, as factors limiting Jaiswal's opportunities.
However, Sehwag remains optimistic about Jaiswal's future. He suggests that once Rohit Sharma retires, Jaiswal will likely find a regular place in the white-ball teams. Sehwag also mentions Ruturaj Gaikwad as a potential competitor for Jaiswal's spot, but believes that with three openers in the squad, Jaiswal's inclusion is inevitable.
The former Indian opener also brings up the case of Ishan Kishan, who is in contention for the ODI team alongside Jaiswal. Kishan, who has made a double century in ODIs at a record-breaking pace, is another player Sehwag believes should be considered for all formats. Sehwag's support for both Jaiswal and Kishan indicates a belief in their ability to contribute across the board.
In conclusion, Sehwag's comments highlight the complexities of team selection in cricket, especially when it comes to nurturing young talent. His perspective adds fuel to the ongoing debate about Jaiswal's potential and the best path for his development in the game.
