Harsh & Unfortunate, Manjrekar Questions Jaiswal Snub, Says Selection ‘Shouldn’t Be About Virat or Rohit’

The selection of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming England tour has sparked fresh debate, with former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar calling the omission of Yashasvi Jaiswal “unfortunate and harsh.”

Jaiswal, one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket, had impressed with a strong start to his ODI career. Yet, despite his performances, he failed to secure a spot in the squad following the return of senior batter Virat Kohli.

Jaiswal’s Performance Raises Questions

Initially not part of India’s plans for the ODI series against Afghanistan national cricket team, Jaiswal got his opportunity only after Kohli was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The young left-hander grabbed the chance with both hands — scoring a brilliant century in Chennai and showcasing composure beyond his years.

In just six ODI appearances, Jaiswal has already registered two centuries, including an unbeaten 116 against South Africa national cricket team in Visakhapatnam.

Manjrekar highlighted this consistency, stating:
“Yashasvi has scored two hundreds in his last three ODIs… he has made the most of his opportunities. So yes, it is unfortunate and a bit harsh.”

Spotlight on Rohit Sharma

The discussion did not stop at Jaiswal’s exclusion. Manjrekar also raised important questions about the role of India captain Rohit Sharma, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.

“If the selectors have picked Rohit, I hope it’s because they genuinely see him as part of the 2027 World Cup plans. Otherwise, that place should have gone to somebody else,” he remarked.

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This comment reflects a broader concern about balancing experience with the need to groom future players.

“Selection Should Be About Indian Cricket”

Manjrekar’s strongest remarks came when addressing what he described as a long-standing issue in Indian cricket — the influence of star power on selection decisions.

“Selection should never be about what’s best for Virat, Rohit or Bumrah. It should always be about what’s best for Indian cricket,” he asserted.

According to him, if senior players are part of long-term plans, selectors must communicate it clearly. Otherwise, continuing with them without a defined roadmap could hinder the growth of emerging talent.

A Bigger Debate Ahead of England Series

With India set to face England cricket team in a three-match ODI series starting July 14, the squad selection has already set the tone for intense discussions.

The exclusion of a young performer like Jaiswal raises critical questions:

• Should form outweigh reputation?
• Is Indian cricket ready for a transition phase?

As debates continue, one thing is clear — the road to the 2027 World Cup will demand tough, transparent decisions.