Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s rising cricket star, is intensifying efforts to secure a permanent spot in the national ODI team by developing his leg-spin bowling as a secondary skill, aiming to outshine veteran opener Rohit Sharma, according to batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, in Perth. Jaiswal, who debuted in ODIs against England in February 2025, has played just one match in the format, overshadowed by a settled top order led by captain Shubman Gill and Sharma. With India trailing 1-0 after a 47-run loss to Australia in the first ODI at Perth’s Optus Stadium, Jaiswal’s push to become a dual-threat player could enhance his case for the second ODI on October 24 in Adelaide, where he competes directly with Sharma for the second opening slot alongside Gill.

Jaiswal’s red-ball prowess is undisputed, with multiple centuries and double-hundreds in Tests, showcasing a mature approach across conditions. However, his List A strike rate of 85.97 across 33 matches has raised concerns among selectors, who seek a higher tempo suited to ODI powerplays and middle overs. Kotak, speaking at a press conference, praised Jaiswal’s work ethic: “He is in the squad and practising hard. He knows only 11 can play, and he’s pushing.” The 23-year-old’s limited ODI exposure—missing 12 matches since his debut—stems from India’s entrenched batting lineup, where Gill’s captaincy and Sharma’s experience dominate. To bridge this gap, Jaiswal is honing his leg-spin, regularly bowling in nets during Test matches and showing improved consistency, though he is yet to claim an international wicket.

The strategic shift to all-round utility reflects Jaiswal’s ambition to add value beyond his batting, a move Kotak described as a “positive sign”. In T20Is, Jaiswal’s aggressive 153.43 strike rate across 23 matches contrasts with his ODI struggles, prompting selectors to demand white-ball adaptability—quicker scoring, better shot selection, and middle-over fluency. His bowling development could tip the scales, offering India a versatile option in a format where all-rounders like Hardik Pandya have thrived. The Perth loss, where India’s top order, including a duck from Virat Kohli, faltered against Australia’s pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, underscores the need for dynamic contributors. Jaiswal’s potential inclusion could inject youthful energy, especially in Adelaide, known for its batting-friendly conditions.

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As India prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Jaiswal’s evolution is critical to refreshing an ageing lineup—Sharma, at 38, faces scrutiny over form despite his 10,709 ODI runs. The selectors’ push for Jaiswal to replicate his Test dominance (averaging 55.45) in ODIs signals a long-term investment in youth, with Gill, 26, already steering the side. While Jaiswal awaits his chance, his leg-spin practice aligns with India’s strategy to nurture multi-skilled players, potentially reshaping team dynamics. Fans eagerly anticipate whether his hard work in the nets translates to a breakthrough in Adelaide, where a win is crucial to level the series and bolster India’s Champions Trophy preparations.

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