Categories: AnalysisInternationalPlayers

‘Jaiswal Over Ishan’: Wasim Jaffer Slams India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Selections

When the BCCI announced India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, many expected quiet nods of approval. After all, the defending champions were backing experience and recent form. But former India opener Wasim Jaffer had other ideas. In a sharp and unflinching critique, Jaffer called out India’s T20 World Cup picks, insisting that young gun Yashasvi Jaiswal was unfairly overlooked in favor of Ishan Kishan—and that Jitesh Sharma’s consistent domestic dominance made him a stronger backup wicketkeeper than Washington Sundar as a part-timer.

Coming on the heels of Shubman Gill’s shock omission and Axar Patel’s elevation to vice-captain, Jaffer’s comments have reignited a fierce national debate: is the selection panel playing it too safe, or are critics missing the bigger strategic picture?

Wasim Jaffer Calls Out India’s T20 World Cup Picks
Why Jaiswal Over Ishan? The Form Argument
Jitesh Sharma: The Overlooked Domestic Star
Shubman Gill’s Omission and the New Opening Plan
Axar Patel as Vice-Captain: A Bold or Safe Choice?
What the Squad Reveals About India’s T20 Strategy
Conclusion: A Necessary Debate
Sources

Wasim Jaffer Calls Out India’s T20 World Cup Picks

Known for his no-nonsense takes, Wasim Jaffer didn’t hold back. Speaking to the media, he stated plainly: “Yashasvi Jaiswal deserved a spot over Ishan Kishan. And if you’re looking for a backup keeper who can bat, Jitesh Sharma has done it consistently at the domestic level” .

Jaffer’s critique cuts to the heart of a growing tension in Indian cricket: the balance between potential, proven domestic performance, and perceived ‘big-game temperament.’ His stance reflects a school of thought that believes youth and raw form should be rewarded—especially in a format as volatile as T20.

Why Jaiswal Over Ishan? The Form Argument

On paper, the case for Jaiswal is compelling. In recent international T20Is, the left-hander has shown explosive intent at the top:

Average of 38.50 in last 10 T20Is with a strike rate of 152+
Two fifties in high-pressure games against Australia and England
Proven ability to take on pace in the powerplay—a key requirement for an opener

By contrast, Ishan Kishan’s T20I record has been inconsistent. While his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy heroics (517 runs) earned him a recall , his international strike rate hovers around 130—a shade below what’s expected from a modern opener or No. 3.

Jaffer’s point isn’t about talent—it’s about role fit. “Jaiswal is a natural opener. He’s been doing it for India. Why shift him out for someone who’s primarily a middle-order batter?” .

Jitesh Sharma: The Overlooked Domestic Star

The inclusion of Washington Sundar as a part-time wicketkeeper has raised eyebrows. Sundar is a fine all-rounder, but his glovework is untested at the highest level. Enter Jitesh Sharma.

The Vidarbha keeper has been nothing short of phenomenal in domestic T20s:

Back-to-back Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy seasons with 400+ runs
Strike rates consistently above 150
Known for finishing games in high-pressure chases

As Jaffer noted, if the team needs a second keeper, why not pick a specialist who can also contribute explosive runs? It’s a pragmatic argument that resonates with many fans and former players alike.

Shubman Gill’s Omission and the New Opening Plan

Jaffer’s critique comes in the shadow of another seismic decision: leaving out Shubman Gill entirely. While selectors cited lack of T20 runs and “combination issues,” it paved the way for a more aggressive opening combo—likely Ruturaj Gaikwad and Jaiswal .

Ironically, Gill’s exclusion strengthens the case for Jaiswal to start. If the goal is power-hitting from ball one, Jaiswal fits better than Kishan, who thrives more in the middle overs.

Axar Patel as Vice-Captain: A Bold or Safe Choice?

With Hardik Pandya’s future uncertain and KL Rahul focused on batting, the selectors named Axar Patel as vice-captain—a decision that signals trust in his cricketing brain and calm demeanor.

While Axar lacks the flamboyance of some peers, his tactical awareness, bowling control, and lower-order grit make him a reliable deputy to Rohit Sharma. Still, some wonder if a more dynamic leader like Suryakumar Yadav might have been a better fit for a T20 environment .

What the Squad Reveals About India’s T20 Strategy

Looking beyond the controversy, India’s T20 World Cup picks reveal a clear blueprint:

Role specialization: Every player has a defined job—powerplay hitter, death bowler, finisher, etc.
Experience + form balance: Mix of veterans (Bumrah, SKY) and in-form domestic stars (Kishan).
Flexibility over rigidity: Carrying multiple all-rounders (Axar, Jadeja, Sundar) for pitch adaptability.

Whether this approach beats the likes of England or Australia remains to be seen—but it’s undeniably calculated.

Conclusion: A Necessary Debate

Wasim Jaffer’s criticism of India’s T20 World Cup picks isn’t just noise—it’s a vital part of a healthy cricketing discourse. While the selectors have their reasons, public scrutiny ensures accountability. Whether Jaiswal or Kishan starts, or whether Sharma should’ve been picked, the real winner is Indian cricket itself—because when legends like Jaffer speak up, it means fans care deeply about the game’s future.