Yashasvi Jaiswal should get enough chances as backup opener before 2027 WC: Irfan Pathan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels Yashasvi Jaiswal should be given enough opportunities in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies to establish himself as the team’s backup opener ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup.

India will face the West Indies in a three-match ODI series from September 27 to October 3, with the home season beginning in Thiruvananthapuram.

Pathan said the series presents India with an opportunity to test its bench strength, with several regular players unavailable due to their participation in the Asian Games.

“This is not the main team against the West Indies for the ODIs, and I feel that’s the right way to go. Bumrah is not there, Shreyas, Axar, and Washington Sundar are all playing at the Asian Games. You are going to get only a few matches before the World Cup next year, and in those games, you want to test your bench strength as well,” Pathan told JioHotstar.

“With the Asian Games and the West Indies series happening simultaneously, it’s a blessing in disguise, where a lot of young boys will definitely get a chance,” he added. The 41-year-old from Vadodara particularly wants Jaiswal to make the most of his opportunities, saying the opener should have sufficient international exposure before the World Cup in South Africa.