Former chief Ravi Shastri has advised Team India selectors to fast-track players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rinku Singh and give them maximum opportunities after the IPL to focus on the ODI World Cup. India will host the ODI World Cup later this year and with some injury woes in the camp, the Asian giants are still searching for the ideal combination.
Meanwhile, Yashasvi and Rinku have been the success stories of this year’s IPL so far. Both the southpaw batsmen have done well for their respective franchises and played match-winning knocks in tough conditions. Jaiswal is currently the second highest scorer in IPL 2023, having scored 575 runs in 12 matches including a century. While Rinku has been doing well in the role of finisher for KKR this season, his five consecutive sixes against Gujarat Titans has been one of the highlights of this season so far.
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Shastri, who is very vocal about his opinion, suggested that it is the right time to include Jaiswal and Rinku in the Indian squad for the next ODI and T20 World Cup.
“If Team India is focusing on the ODI World Cup, the selectors should focus on giving maximum opportunities to youngsters like Yashasvi and Rinku. These players should be fast tracked and can be groomed for next year’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies. If the selectors don’t pick him now, I don’t know what else they are looking for,” Shastri said on Star Sports.
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Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh on Thursday heaped praise on Jaiswal, who scored the fastest half-century in IPL history, and said he is breaking doors to find a place in the Indian team.
“Yashaswi Jaiswal is not just knocking on the doors of the Indian cricket team, he seems to be breaking into it with his consistent performances. He has brought his domineering form of domestic cricket to the IPL. What a talent he is! The future of Indian cricket is in good hands,” Harbhajan said on Star Sports.
