India’s latest ODI squad has reignited the debate over how the BCCI balances established stars with emerging talent, with Rohit Sharma retaining his place for the upcoming England series despite growing competition for opening spots. Speaking to The Times of India, former India cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar argued that selection decisions should reflect India’s long-term plans, pointing to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s recent performances as evidence that the young opener has done enough to strengthen his case.
Jaiswal’s performances add to selection debate
Jaiswal has made a strong impression whenever he has featured in the ODI format. Across his last three ODI innings, the left-hander has registered two centuries, including 116 not out against South Africa and an unbeaten 110 against Afghanistan, while his only other score during that period was four.
During the ODI series against Afghanistan, Rohit Sharma scored 16 in the opening match before making 48 in the second ODI and 79 in the third. Jaiswal did not feature in the first game, scored four in the second, and followed it with his unbeaten century in the series finale.
Assessing Jaiswal’s recent record, former India cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar told The Times of India, “Yashasvi has scored two hundreds in his last three ODIs. He made 116 not out against South Africa, then after a gap scored four and a hundred. Anyone opening in India’s strong ODI side will get opportunities, and Yashasvi has made the most of them. So yes, it is unfortunate and a bit harsh.”
Long-term planning remains central
While questioning Jaiswal’s omission, Manjrekar also made it clear that he had no objection to Rohit retaining his place if the decision formed part of India’s preparations for the next ODI World Cup.
He said, “If the selectors have picked Rohit, I hope it’s because they genuinely see him as part of the 2027 World Cup plans.”
Selection should serve Indian cricket
Manjrekar expanded the discussion beyond individual players, arguing that selection should be guided by what strengthens the national team rather than by the reputation of senior cricketers.
He added, “We all know the culture around big-name players. Decisions are rarely as simple as judging on cricketing merit alone. That seems to be the case with Rohit too. If the selectors believe Rohit is part of the long-term plan, they should say so. But if he is being picked because they are not ready to drop him, then it reflects a problem Indian cricket has had for years. Selection should never be about what’s best for Virat, Rohit or Bumrah. It should always be about what’s best for Indian cricket.”
The comments come as India continue shaping their squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with experienced players and emerging talent competing for places as the next cycle gathers momentum.
Backing young talent beyond selection
Manjrekar also expressed confidence that teenage batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi would benefit from a recent learning experience as the youngster prepares for upcoming tours of England and Ireland.
Speaking about the 15-year-old, he concluded, “He has learnt a lesson (after an altercation with a Sri Lanka A player). He seems a very aware and mature guy and will handle such situations much better in the future.”
Suryavanshi is set to continue his development on the upcoming tour, while the wider debate over balancing established stars with the next generation is likely to remain firmly in focus as India’s ODI plans evolve.
