India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal's absence from the ODI team is less a reflection of any injustice and more a sign of the extraordinary depth in Indian cricket, where even proven talent can struggle to force a place into a crowded lineup.
Speaking on Saturday, September 26, 2026, Kotak said the left-handed opener, widely regarded as one of India's most gifted young batters, will have to remain patient while the team's current pool of performers continues to make selection difficult. His remarks came at a time when debate around Jaiswal's omission has intensified, with many observers questioning how a player of his calibre can be left out of a one-day international squad.
"There is so much competition for places in the team, and so many players are performing," Kotak said. "Jaiswal is one of the best, and whenever he gets an opportunity, he performs. But sometimes, you see, say there are three very good wicketkeepers in a team and only one will play. It is not a case of Jaiswal being treated unfairly. It is part of the game. He should keep working hard and wait for his opportunity."
Kotak's comments underline a recurring reality for India across formats: the side's talent pipeline is so deep that even players with strong credentials can find themselves squeezed out. In Jaiswal's case, the challenge is especially acute because India's top order has several established options, and the team management appears unwilling to disrupt combinations that are already delivering results. Kotak did not suggest that Jaiswal's international prospects are in doubt; rather, he framed the issue as one of timing and competition.
The batting coach's remarks also offered a broader glimpse into how India are thinking about experience as they shape their plans for next year's World Cup. Kotak said Ravindra Jadeja remains very much in the scheme of things, even though he stopped short of speaking for the selection committee.
"I am not part of the selection committee, so I don't know what they are thinking. I think whoever is playing for India stands a chance. Jadeja is an outstanding all-rounder; we all know. And to me, he is still one of the world's best fielders," Kotak said.
He added that Jadeja's value extends well beyond statistics. "He bowls, he bats, and he has the experience. I believe experience is something you cannot beat. So we see Rohit, we see Virat, and Jadeja is also like that. All that brings a lot to the team. It is all about sharing experiences... I have seen all the experienced players, even Gautam [Gambhir], doing that. When they see that some player is going in a situation, they always talk to them."
Kotak's endorsement of Jadeja is significant because it reinforces the idea that India's World Cup planning will not be based solely on youth or form, but also on the stabilising influence of seasoned campaigners. Jadeja's reputation as a three-dimensional cricketer — capable of contributing with bat, ball and in the field — continues to make him a central figure in India's white-ball structure.
For Jaiswal, however, the message is clear: the door is not closed, but the queue is long. His talent is not in question, nor is his ability to seize opportunities when they arrive. What Kotak's comments reveal is that India's current selection dilemma is not about a shortage of quality, but an abundance of it — a problem that can leave even elite performers waiting on the sidelines.
As India continue to balance immediate results with long-term planning, the competition for places is likely to remain fierce. For now, Kotak's assessment suggests that Jaiswal must continue to do what he has already done throughout his career: keep scoring, keep pressing, and wait for the moment when the team's crowded order finally opens a path for him.