Pathan urges more ODI opportunities for Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of 2027 World Cup

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said on September 20, 2026, in comments to JioHotstar that Yashasvi Jaiswal should be given sufficient chances as a backup opener in India's three-match ODI series against the West Indies, scheduled from September 27 to October 3. Pathan framed the series as a preparatory opportunity as India get ready for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.

India will open the three-match ODI series on September 27, with the first game in Thiruvananthapuram and the last match set for October 3. Several regulars are absent from the squad because they are competing at the Asian Games, a situation Pathan said provides room to evaluate fringe players and young talent ahead of the World Cup.

"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, underlining the opportunity for less-established players to gain international exposure.

Pathan said he would be closely monitoring Jaiswal's involvement in the series. "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. "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."

Pathan also voiced support for Naman Dhir following the player's maiden ODI call-up for the West Indies series. "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.

"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."

India begin the three-match ODI series against the West Indies on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, with the tie scheduled to conclude on October 3, providing a short window for the selectors and management to assess backup options ahead of next year's World Cup.