Yashasvi Jaiswal has already made a strong mark in Test cricket with his exceptional performances and mature batting style. However, his journey in the 50-over format for India is yet to take off. After making his ODI debut earlier this year in February against England, Jaiswal has played just one match so far. Since then, the Indian ODI team has played several series, but Jaiswal has not found a regular spot in the playing XI.
With Shubman Gill now leading India in ODIs, the competition for the opening slots has become even tougher. Jaiswal finds himself contending with veteran opener Rohit Sharma for the second opening position.
Working Hard Behind the Scenes
Ahead of the second ODI against Australia in Perth, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised Jaiswal’s dedication and hard work. Speaking at a press conference, Kotak said,
“He is in the squad and practicing hard. He knows his time will come. Only 11 can play, but he is preparing well and continues to push himself.”
This shows that while Jaiswal may not be in the playing XI yet, he is staying ready and focused on improving his game.
Adapting from Red-Ball to White-Ball Cricket
Jaiswal’s red-ball performances speak for themselves — multiple centuries, double hundreds, and a temperament that has impressed fans and experts alike. But excelling in ODIs requires a slightly different approach. The one-day format demands a balance between aggression and control — raising the strike rate while avoiding unnecessary risks, rotating the strike smartly, and accelerating during powerplays and death overs.
According to reports, the selectors want Jaiswal to bring the same level of dominance he shows in Test cricket into the 50-over format. His List A strike rate of 85.97 in 33 matches is solid but can still improve to match modern-day ODI standards. The focus for Jaiswal now is to become more consistent in different match situations and conditions.
Adding Bowling to His Skillset
Another positive development in Jaiswal’s game is his growing interest in leg-spin bowling. Batting coach Kotak revealed that the youngster has been spending time in the nets developing his secondary skill.
“Jaiswal has been bowling a lot in the nets. He always had a knack for leg-spin, and now he’s working more consistently on it. It’s a good sign,” Kotak said.
While he hasn’t yet taken wickets in international matches, his effort to become a more rounded player adds to his value as a potential all-round contributor — something that can make a big difference in team selection.
The Road Ahead
Yashasvi Jaiswal remains firmly in contention for India’s ODI squad. With his proven track record in Tests and solid performances in T20 cricket, he has already shown his talent across formats. The next step is translating that success into the 50-over game by improving his strike rate, shot selection, and adaptability.
If he continues to work hard and refine his all-round skills, it’s only a matter of time before fans see Yashasvi Jaiswal regularly opening the innings for India in ODIs.
