Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has predicted that Yashasvi Jaiswal might continue to warm the benches in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are India’s first-choice openers in the 50-over version but at the same time it is imperative for the team to give chances to the backup opener, Jaiswal.

Jaiswal scored a fine century in his last ODI game against Afghanistan, scoring a fine knock of 110 runs off 86 balls. The left-hander has scored 285 runs in six ODI matches at an average of 71.25, including two centuries. 

“How many white-ball matches will Yashasvi Jaiswal get? He won’t get many opportunities. Although he seems like a tempting option, for him to be in the playing XI, Shubman Gill will have to play out of position. What are we trying to achieve? The Indian team will have to ask themselves that. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill also need to open together for a long period of time,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“Yes, you wish to prepare Yashasvi Jaiswal and keep him ready as the third opener. But is he going to be there? Will you be able to give him chances? There are not many ODIs, and he is not getting a place in the T20I side as it is. So then, how will it work? When there are limited ODIs, Rohit Sharma will play for sure, and so will Shubman Gill. So how will Yashasvi Jaiswal open? This is an unfortunate fact,” he added.

Jaiswal has shown the skills to be a all format player for India but he needs game time under his belt.

The first ODI between India and the West Indies will be played on 27th September.