How Yashasvi Jaiswal is plotting to replace 'idol' Rohit Sharma in India's playing XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal's omission from is baffling.

The youngster, who has been India's best batter in Test cricket in recent times, lost his place in the T20Is despite having a strike rate of 164, to Abhishek Sharma and then vice-captain Shubman Gill.

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But in ODIs, with the 2027 World Cup in focus, the 23-year-old should be a no-brainer. However, former India captain Rohit Sharma, 38, showing his interest in playing the next ODI World Cup, has forced Jaiswal to warm the bench.



However, the youngster is not sitting idle — he is plotting to replace his childhood "idol" Rohit Sharma in India's playing XI.

"I think he is in the squad. He practices and they are pretty much aware that their turn will come. And they prepare well. At the end of the day, only 11 can play. So you have to wait for your turn and then perform," India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak told reporters in Adelaide.

Kotak also dropped a bombshell about how Jaiswal is working hard on his leg-spin at the nets.

"Jaiswal always bowls leg spin. I think as an individual player, if it comes from within that he actually wants to bowl, and he feels he wants to bowl more and more, that’s a good sign," he said.


"And I have been watching him for the last 5–6 years. He has always bowled, but he looks more consistent now. So obviously, he is working more on his bowling. That is a positive sign," he added.

India lost the first ODI by seven wickets after several rain interruptions reduced the match to a 26-overs-a-side contest. Kotak said the frequent breaks affected the Indian batters.

The second match of the series will be played in Adelaide on Thursday.

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