No Unfair Treatment, Just Competition: Kotak’s Message to Jaiswal

XtraTime Webdesk: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has backed young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal amid the competition for places in the Indian cricket team. Kotak said Jaiswal’s limited opportunities in the ODI format should not be considered unfair treatment and advised him to continue working hard and wait for his chances.

Jaiswal has now missed the Indian team's tour to England due to a lack of selection after playing in all three Tests of the home series against Afghanistan. The left-hander has, however, been called into the Indian Team of 15 players for the next three-match ODI series against the West Indies which starts on September 27.

As Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill are seen as the main opening duo in the Indian team, Jaiswal could once again find himself out of the playing 11.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the first ODI, Kotak acknowledged the intense competition for places in the team and praised Jaiswal’s performances whenever he has received an opportunity.

“There is so much competition and so many players are performing. Jaiswal, we all know, is one of the best batters, and whenever he gets an opportunity, he performs. So he is part of the team,” Kotak said.

The batting coach also told of how he was collaborating with the support staff on Jaiswal's skills, practice and mindset. The head coach Gautam Gambhir also has regular counselling sessions with the young batter, he added.

With the help of three good wicket-keepers vying for just one spot, Kotak said that not every good player can turn up in the playing XI.

He told Jaiswal to be patient and told him that he should work hard and wait till time is right, because he has performed when he was given the opportunity.

The West Indies series also arrives as India gears up for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, with the top-class players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remaining focused on the world cup. content here...