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Irfan Pathan Urges Ample Chances for Yashasvi Jaiswal as Backup Opener Before 2027 WC
M
Moneycontrol•20-09-2026, 20:41
Irfan Pathan Urges Ample Chances for Yashasvi Jaiswal as Backup Opener Before 2027 WC
- •Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan advocates for Yashasvi Jaiswal to receive sufficient opportunities as a backup opener before the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- •Pathan emphasizes the upcoming ODI series against West Indies as a crucial chance for Jaiswal to gain international exposure.
- •The series, coinciding with the Asian Games, is seen as a 'blessing in disguise' to test India's bench strength, with several key players unavailable.
- •Pathan specifically highlights Jaiswal, stating he should have enough international exposure by the time the World Cup in South Africa arrives.
- •He also backs maiden ODI call-up Naman Dhir, praising his all-round abilities, particularly his bowling, which could fill a gap in the ODI setup.
Key Questions Answered
Irfan Pathan stated that Yashasvi Jaiswal should receive regular opportunities as the team's backup opener during the ODI series against the West Indies so he has sufficient international exposure before the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
India is scheduled to face the West Indies in a three-match home ODI series from September 27 to October 3, with the series opening in Thiruvananthapuram.
Several regular players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, are unavailable for the ODI series because they are participating in the Asian Games.
