Young India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal entered into the IPL 2024 on the back of a record-shattering exploits in the home Test series against England. However, he failed to live up to the expectations, amassing only 121 runs in first seven games of the ongoing IPL for Rajasthan Royals.
Initially, doubts surrounded Jaiswal’s chances of making it into the T20 World Cup 2024 squad but the left-hander turned the tide with an impressive unbeaten 104, followed by scores of 24 and 67 to earn a place in India’s line-up for next month’s global showpiece tournament.
With the fast-approaching T20 World Cup, Yashasvi Jaiswal has hit the lean patch once again, registering scores of 4, 24 and 4 in RR’s last three matches.
Meanwhile, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed concerns over Jaiswal's form, suggesting that his string of low scores might lead the Indian team to rethink their opening combination for the upcoming T20 World Cup, slated to be held in the West Indies and USA.
Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan said: "It's a massive area of concern because I believe Yashasvi Jaiswal should start in the World Cup as he is a left-handed batter. So the opposing team won't start with a left-arm spinner. They will hesitate a little if he is in form. However, in this form, the team will think twice."
"The team will think whether they should open with in-form Virat Kohli alongside Rohit Sharma, or go with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is young and inexperienced. So it's extremely necessary for him to come in form," he added.
Despite Jaiswal's struggles, Pathan highlighted the silver lining of him getting more opportunities due to Rajasthan Royals making it to the playoffs.
"The good thing for Yashasvi is that he will get chances because his team has qualified, and if they make a place in the top two, he will get more chances. Keeping that in mind, there are a few positive things for Yashasvi, but this form will trouble Rajasthan Royals a lot as well," Pathan said.
Yashasvi Jaiswal will be next see in action during Rajasthan Royals’ last league match of the IPL 2024 season against Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati on Sunday (May 19).
