NEW DELHI: In the wake of India's convincing series win against Afghanistan in the second T20 International at Indore, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has declared swashbuckling opener Yashasvi Jaiswal as undroppable from the Team India squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
Jaiswal's explosive half-century played a crucial role in India's series win, prompting Chopra to assert that it would be unfair if Jaiswal is not included in the T20 World Cup squad. Speaking to JioCinema, Chopra emphasized that Jaiswal has surpassed Shubman Gill in the T20I pecking order.
"Yashasvi is going. Again, the way he is batting. You will feel it would be unfair if you do not take him. Sometimes you are undroppable, meaning he is selectable. That is why he is here, making runs. Now he has gone beyond (Shubman) Gill. But now you will not be able to touch him," said Chopra.
Chopra warned against making the mistake of not selecting Jaiswal, stating that it could lead to a slow start for India in the T20 World Cup. He emphasized the importance of having a dynamic batsman like Jaiswal in the squad.
"You should not even try for it (not selecting Jaiswal) because you need something like this while batting. Otherwise, it will be the same as 2022; again and again, everything will be the same, the style of playing will be the same and only the year has changed," Chopra cautioned.
1/10:2nd T20I: India seal series with dominant win over Afghanistan
AP
2/10:Yashasvi Jaiswal's explosive knock
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed 68 off 34 balls, propelling India towards victory in Indore.ANI
3/10:Shivam Dube's unbeaten 63
Shivam Dube played another crucial innings, scoring an unbeaten 63 to secure India's win.ANI
4/10:India's unbeaten home record
Top-ranked India have been unbeaten at home for 15 consecutive T20 series.TOI Sports
5/10:Axar Patel's bowling brilliance
Left-arm spinner Axar Patel led the charge with figures of 2-17 to help dismiss Afghanistan for 172.PTI
6/10:Rohit's praise for Jaiswal and Dube
Skipper Rohit Sharma commended Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube for their exceptional performances in the match.PTI
7/10:Virat Kohli's return to T20I
Virat Kohli made a comeback to T20Is, contributing 29 runs in a partnership of 57 with Jaiswal.ANI
8/10:Jaiswal and Dube's partnership
Jaiswal put on a 92-run stand with left-handed partner Dube as India chased down their victory target with 26 balls to spare.ANI
9/10:Naib's aggressive batting
Gulbadin Naib took on the Indian bowling attack in his 35-ball 57 knock laced with five fours and four sixes.PTI
10/10:Afghanistan's middle order contribution
Najibullah Zadran (23 off 21 balls), Janat (10-ball 20) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (21 off nine) boosted the Afghanistan total.ANIYashasvi Jaiswal has been in remarkable form in T20Is, amassing 498 runs in 16 matches at an average of 35.57 and a striking rate of 163.81. Chopra highlighted Jaiswal's impactful contributions, especially in matches India has won, showcasing his ability as a match-winner.
Jaiswal's stellar performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, where he was the Rajasthan Royals' top run-scorer, further solidified his claim for a spot in the national side.
India's comprehensive six-wicket win over Afghanistan in the second T20I was marked by Jaiswal's explosive batting, and he, along with Shivam Dube, played a pivotal role in securing the series win. With one game left in the series, India has already clinched victory with a 2-0 lead. Axar Patel was named the 'Player of the Match' for his bowling spell in the contest.
(With inputs from ANI)
