'Apologise to Jaiswal': BCCI selectors questioned for picking Rohit over Yashasvi for ODIs vs Afghanistan

Sanjay Manjrekar has strongly criticised the BCCI selectors' decision to pick Rohit Sharma over Yashasvi Jaiswal for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, which kicks off on June 14. The former India batter expressed deep confusion over the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel's logic, arguing that Jaiswal is far more deserving of a place in the squad when looking at the long-term future of Indian cricket. Manjrekar firmly believes that Rohit's days in international cricket are numbered, noting that despite the veteran only playing a single format now, neither his recent form nor his fitness warrants automatic selection.

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Call Jaiswal and apologise: Sanjay Manjrekar on India's squad for Afghanistan ODIs

With Rohit closing in on 39, Manjrekar suggested that the selectors need to make tough, forward-thinking decisions. He emphasized that Jaiswal is perfectly cut out for India’s 2027 World Cup plans and already deserves a permanent spot in the current setup, even if accommodating the youngster means moving on from a legend like Rohit. Additionally, the commentator felt that leaving out Sai Sudharsan from the squad was equally harsh. However, given Jaiswal's exceptional and consistent performances in Test cricket, Manjrekar declared that the young opener actually deserves an apology from the selection committee for being overlooked.

“Sai Sudharsan has three fifties in four innings for India in ODI cricket. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s last innings was an unbeaten 116. And yet, these guys are not playing for India. Instead, the selectors have gone with a veteran whose fitness is a question mark and who is clearly out of form. Now explain that to me. What is the logic behind it? What is the vision?” Manjrekar said on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.

“If they were compelled to make a compromise and pick Rohit Sharma for whatever reasons, then the first thing they should do is pick up the phone, call Jaiswal and apologise. This is a young player who has done tremendous things at the toughest level in Test cricket. He is just 24 years old, in his prime, with a bright future ahead of him. The same goes for Sai Sudharsan. Guys like Gill, Sudharsan and Jaiswal are tailor-made to be India’s top three in ODI cricket.”

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Is Rohit going to be your key player for the next WC?: Manjrekar

Jaiswal has been cooling his heels in the wings for a consistent run in India's one-day setup for the longest time. He has featured in just four ODIs so far, scoring 171 runs, which includes a brilliant, unbeaten 116 against South Africa in Vizag last December. To further back his argument, Manjrekar reminded everyone that Rohit Sharma has already represented India in three 50-over World Cups. While it is unfortunate that India fell short of lifting the trophy despite coming incredibly close on all three occasions, Manjrekar emphasized that Jaiswal cannot be held responsible for the past. When comparing the veterans, Manjrekar drew a sharp contrast between India's two modern legends. He is fully convinced that Virat Kohli still possesses the exceptional form and elite fitness required to continue at the highest level. However, he does not feel the same way about Rohit, which is why he believes the selection committee must find the courage to do "the right thing" and transition toward the future.

“Everybody knows what the right thing to do is. When you look at numbers and try to justify the selection, that’s not really the job. The job is to do what’s best for Indian cricket going forward. Is Rohit Sharma going to be your key player for the next 50-over World Cup in the years ahead? That’s the question that needs to be asked. Or would you rather give that opportunity right now to a Yashasvi Jaiswal or a Sai Sudharsan?. And the players we are talking about here have already played multiple World Cups. India, meanwhile, haven’t won a 50-over World Cup since 2011. Whichever way I look at it, you have got to move on. With Virat Kohli, I can maybe understand it because there is still form, fitness and everything else going in his favour. But a selector’s job is not just about thinking of Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. They also have to think about the 50 or 100 other players who are fighting for an opportunity to play for India” asked Manjrekar.