Wasim Jaffer, a former cricket player for India, feels that Yashasvi Jaiswal ought to have been included in the squad before Ishan Kishan. Jaffer believes that Kishan’s exceptional Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 campaign and his significant contribution to Jharkhand’s first-ever domestic T20 victory should not have been the reason for Jaiswal’s disqualification. Kishan’s ability to keep wickets gave him an advantage in the final squad and was a major factor in his selection.
Wasim Jaffer questioned the reasoning, arguing that Jitesh Sharma ought to have been supported instead because the wicketkeeper-batter had done nothing noteworthy to justify being discarded. Jaffer expressed disapproval of Washington Sundar’s inclusion as well, pointing out that he is unlikely to be a consistent member of the starting lineup.
Wasim Jaffer said the squad’s balance was dubious because India already had three specialist spinners, including a spin-bowling all-rounder.
I would have them in place of Ishan & Washi. Axar is VC so he’s sure to play and you can’t play Washi ahead of Varun and Kuldeep. Jitesh hasn’t done anything wrong to be dropped and Yashasvi, don’t need any explaining why he shouldn’t be there in first place. #T20WorldCup2026 https://t.co/68BtGDKZYx
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 21, 2025
“I would substitute them for Ishan and Washi. You can’t play Washi before Varun and Kuldeep, and since Axar is VC, he will undoubtedly play. Wasim Jaffer stated on X, “Yashasvi doesn’t need any explanation as to why he shouldn’t be there in the first place, and Jitesh hasn’t done anything wrong to be dropped.”
In both the Indian Premier League and T20 internationals, Jaiswal has continuously outperformed Kishan. After Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from the T20 format in June 2024, he is also considered India’s current opener. In spite of this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rested Jaiswal from Twenty20 Internationals so that he may focus on Test cricket.
But when it came time for him to make a comeback at the 2025 Asia Cup, the selectors chose Shubman Gill. In contrast, Kishan has had uneven and less significant performances at the international level over the last two years, notwithstanding his impressive performance at the just concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
In anticipation of their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, India’s reigning champions will take on the United States of America on February 7. In an effort to get off to a solid start in the group stage, they will next play Namibia on February 12, Pakistan on February 15, and the Netherlands on February 18.
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