Yashasvi needs more ODI chances as backup opener before 2027 World Cup: Pathan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan wants Yashasvi Jaiswal to get a consistent run in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, saying the opener needs enough opportunities to establish himself as India's backup opener before the 2027 World Cup.Yashasvi Jaiswal should get enough chances as backup opener before 2027 WC: Irfan Pathan (PTI Photo)Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Yashasvi Jaiswal should get enough chances as backup opener in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies as India prepare for the 2027 World Cup.India will face the West Indies in a three-match ODI series from September 27 to October 3, with the first match in Thiruvananthapuram. Pathan feels the series will give India a good chance to test their bench strength, with several regular players unavailable because of 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. PATHAN BACKS JAISWALPathan said he would be keeping a close eye on Jaiswal and the number of opportunities the opener gets during the series. Jaiswal has been picked as a backup opener for the West Indies ODIs, and Pathan believes India should give him enough game time before the World Cup in South Africa next year."One player I will have my eyes on, in terms of the number of opportunities he gets in this one-day series against the West Indies, is Yashasvi Jaiswal. He is the backup opener in the squad, and by the time you reach South Africa for the World Cup, your backup opener should have had enough opportunities," he said. Pathan said India could rotate players or make changes to the batting order to give Jaiswal more chances."So, whenever there is an opportunity, I would want to see him playing regularly. Obviously, you will have to think about how you create those opportunities, whether you shuffle the batting order or rotate the players, but I hope he gets his chances against the West Indies."DHIR GETS PATHAN'S BACKINGPathan also backed Naman Dhir, who has earned his maiden ODI call-up for the West Indies series.The former India all-rounder feels Dhir could offer the team another bowling option along with his ability to bat in different positions."I think he is a great talent. More than his performances in domestic cricket, he has been selected for his ability to bowl. A batter who can bat lower down the order, can bat in the top order as well, and can bowl handy off-spin, a player of that type has been missing a little bit in the ODI setup," he said.Pathan believes Dhir could get his chance with Washington Sundar unavailable because of the Asian Games and Riyan Parag having struggled with injuries."Washington Sundar is not available because of the Asian Games, and Riyan Parag has had injury concerns, so if Naman gets his opportunity, I will be excited to see him. He has the skill, but more than his batting, his bowling will be tested."- EndsPublished By: Saurabh KumarPublished On: Sep 20, 2026 22:08 IST