Mumbai opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included as a stand-by player in the Indian squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, following Ruturaj Gaikwad’s notification to the cricket board about his upcoming wedding on June 3-4. The team management has instructed Jaiswal to begin practicing with the red ball, and since he already possesses a UK visa, he will be traveling to London in the coming days.
Jaiswal has showcased remarkable form this season, impressing with his performances. In the Indian Premier League, representing the Rajasthan Royals, he accumulated 625 runs in 14 matches, while in the Ranji Trophy, he managed to score 404 runs in five games.
Initially, the Indian Cricket Board had designated Gaikwad as a stand-by opener for the WTC Final against Australia at The Oval on June 7. However, Gaikwad informed the Indian Cricket Board that he would only be available to join the team after June 5. Consequently, coach Rahul Dravid requested a replacement.
“He (Jaiswal) will be joining the Indian team as Gaikwad has informed us that he won’t be able to fly due to his marriage. He would be able to join the team post-June 5. (But) Coach Rahul Dravid took a call, asking the selectors to pick a replacement. So, Jaiswal will now fly to London soon,” revealed an Indian Cricket Board official to The Indian Express.
The Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan will depart for London on May 28, while Suryakumar Yadav will follow suit on May 30 alongside Mohammed Shami, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja, who will participate in the IPL final on Sunday.
Most players already in London
The Indian team has departed for London in batches, and those who have already arrived have begun their training sessions.
Additionally, during the World Test Championship final, Indian Cricket Board secretary Jay Shah announced that the board would reveal the schedule for the ODI World Cup. However, the decision regarding the Asia Cup will be made by the members of the Asian Cricket Council.
During the Special General Body Meeting held in Ahmedabad, the Indian Cricket Board decided to establish a committee responsible for overseeing the ODI World Cup and the Women’s Premier League. Shah stated, “We are looking at all the metros as venues for the tournament.”
To address player injuries, the Indian board has established a structure where each state association will appoint a Strength and Conditioning coach, along with a Sports Science and Sports Medicine team. The candidates for these roles will undergo interviews conducted by a panel from the National Cricket Academy.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
This is wonderful decision by Indian cricket team management &senior selector of Indian team, bringing this wonderful, talented, young, energetic, left-hander batsmen, Yashasvi Jaiswal Best wishes
— Arvind Raghava (@ArvindRaghava5) May 27, 2023
Marriage above national duties! That's why he should not be selected for india ever!
— Gurasis! (@Gurasis_vk973) May 27, 2023
To all who are saying that this selection is on the basis of IPL, they need to watch Domestic Cricket and should know how Jaiswal was in form.
— SHUBHAM SINGH (@Singhh_ji) May 27, 2023
Hopefully he'll get the opportunity to play in final 11. Gaikwad missed the chance to prove himself when whole world is keeping eyes on WTC final and champion.
— ? (@rgc526350) May 28, 2023
Shaadi ek haftay baad kar leta kya is ko WTC ki dates nahi maloom thi lol
— Stiffmeister (@chico91617929) May 27, 2023
Ye sab ka kya jab uska playing 11 me jagah hi nahin banega?isse acha wc k liye select karlo no4 spot vacant pada h vijay shankar ko rakho auu uska backup jaiswal ko rakho ya iska vice versa
— Sibans Behera (@SibansBehera8) May 27, 2023
Why are we heading into WTC final without any finalized squad ??? pic.twitter.com/zSsVKlpu2E
— RS45 ? (@vj99_) May 27, 2023
Gaikwad is getting married ? uski age kya hai
— Beeee ? (@vaishnavi167) May 27, 2023
India will play 1 match not series so he will be banched what the point of including him ?
— Unknown (@Unknown65088704) May 28, 2023
