Becoming a regular in all three formats of the Indian cricket team is one of the toughest challenges in modern cricket, given the intense competition and ever-changing demands of each format. The former Indian opener believes that even if Yashasvi Jaiswal has the talent to succeed in all formats, the youngster is missing one element in his journey to becoming a complete all-format player.
Becoming a tri-format player remains a rare feat
In an era where formats demand contrasting skills, excelling consistently in Tests, ODIs and T20Is is no mean feat. The depth of Indian cricket means that even the most talented players must outperform their peers season after season to stay relevant. Only a select few have managed to adapt their technique, temperament and mindset to meet the changing demands of patience with the red ball, above-50 poise and T20 explosiveness. For young cricketers, the path to becoming indispensable in all formats often depends on producing remarkable performances in high-pressure tournaments.
The rise of Yashasvi Jaiswal and the shortcomings of his white ball journey
Jaiswal is widely regarded as one of India’s brightest batting prospects and has already established himself as a regular in the Test team. His composure, his thirst for big scores and his ability to bat for long hours impressed the selectors and fans. However, his exposure to white-ball cricket remains limited, especially in T20Is, where competition for opening spots is fierce. While Jaiswal has shown flashes of brilliance in limited-overs cricket, he is yet to cement a permanent role, leaving questions over his readiness to be considered a three-format certainty.
India is ready to face New Zealand in a white-ball series comprising three ODIs followed by five T20Is, starting in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11. Although Jaiswal was included in the ODI squad, his absence from the T20I plans underlines the selectors’ cautious approach and the importance of sustained impact performances.
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Former opener outlines plan for Jaiswal to become an all-format star
Addressing the subject on his YouTube channel, former opener Akash Chopra offered a clear roadmap for Jaiswal’s progression. According to the former opener, a successful IPL season could transform Jaiswal’s standing in white-ball cricket. Chopra pointed out that scoring 400-450 runs in a season, while respectable, does not match Jaiswal’s potential or the expectations placed on him.
“Yashasvi, I have a request for you. I want you to have a 700-run IPL season. Every year, I think it would be like this for you. You have 400-450-run seasons, but that is not enough. Not for you, not for your standard,” Chopra said.
Chopra urged the left-hander to aim higher, specifically setting the benchmark for a 700-run IPL campaign. Such a season, he argued, would force the hand of the selectors and make Jaiswal impossible to ignore in any format. According to Chopra, a dominant IPL not only reflects consistency and adaptability but also demonstrates the winning impact required at the international level.
“I need a 700-point season for you to break down the door and come in. That’s what I expect from him. So Yashasvi should become a three-format player as soon as possible,” he added.
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