NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder
Irfan Pathan
has raised concerns over
Yashasvi Jaiswal
's form in the Indian Premier League, suggesting that his lean run might lead the Indian team to rethink their opening combination for the upcoming
T20 World Cup
.
Jaiswal's recent struggles were highlighted as Rajasthan Royals suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, with the opener managing just four runs against Punjab Kings in Guwahati.
In a discussion on Star Sports, Pathan expressed his belief that Jaiswal's current form could influence India's decision regarding their opening partnership in the T20 World Cup.
"It's a massive area of concern because I believe Yashasvi Jaiswal should start in the World Cup as he is a left-handed batter. So the opposing team won't start with a left-arm spinner. They will hesitate a little if he is in form. However, in this form, the team will think twice," Pathan said.
He further suggested the dilemma India might face, weighing the option of an in-form
Virat Kohli
opening alongside
Rohit Sharma
versus persisting with Jaiswal, who is relatively young and inexperienced.
"The team will think whether they should open with in-form Virat Kohli alongside Rohit Sharma, or go with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is young and inexperienced. So it's extremely necessary for him to come in form," Pathan added.
Jaiswal has aggregated 348 runs in 13 innings in IPL 2024, whereas, Kohli has amassed 661 runs as opener for RCB this season.
Despite Jaiswal's struggles, Pathan noted the silver lining of him getting more opportunities due to Rajasthan Royals' qualification in the tournament. However, he underscored the impact of Jaiswal's form on the team's performance, particularly in the absence of
Jos Buttler
.
"The good thing for Yashasvi is that he will get chances because his team has qualified, and if they make a place in the top two, he will get more chances. Keeping that in mind, there are a few positive things for Yashasvi, but this form will trouble Rajasthan Royals a lot as well," Pathan said.
Observing Jaiswal's dismissal against Punjab, Pathan analyzed the opener's approach and suggested that he seemed unsettled and indecisive, ultimately leading to his downfall.
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