Revealed: Why did selectors drop Yashasvi Jaiswal from India's ODI squad for England tour despite 2 cents in 3 matches?

The BCCI has firmly put an end to recent discussions about Rohit Sharma's long-term future in ODIs by selecting the batting maestro for next month's crucial series against England. This move reaffirms T20 World Cup-winning captain's integral role in the 50-over setup, ensuring he continues to lead the batting charge at the top of the order. While Rohit's inclusion brings stability, it also means that star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal will remain on the sidelines, waiting for his moment to secure a permanent spot as an opening batter.

Yashasvi Jaiswal faces ODI snub despite 2 tons in 3 matches

Jaiswal's exclusion from the upcoming squad stands out as a tough call given his sensational run of form, which recently included a brilliant, unbeaten 110 against Afghanistan. Despite hammering two centuries across his last three ODI appearances, the young left-hander has been left out of the team entirely. He had initially broken into the squad for the Afghanistan games as a cover for the injured Virat Kohli, but his remarkable performances were not enough to secure him an extended run in the national team.

Key changes in India's ODI squad for England tour

The selection committee’s strategy revolves around maintaining a settled, experienced batting core against a formidable England side rather than testing new combinations. According to a BCCI source, the return of Kohli at number three locks down the top order alongside the established opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rather than retaining Jaiswal in a reserve capacity, the team management has preferred Ishan Kishan for the backup opener role, leaning on his proven ability to serve as a flexible, multi-positional option in the batting lineup.

Virat Kohli has been provisionally selected for India's upcoming ODI series against England, pending a crucial fitness assessment. After suffering a hamstring injury during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title-defending IPL campaign, which subsequently ruled him out of the recent three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, Kohli is scheduled to report to the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Monday. This follows a rehabilitation period where CoE sports science staff even traveled to England to monitor his recovery. If he passes the fitness test, his spot in the final squad will be officially locked in.

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Meanwhile, pace maestro Jasprit Bumrah has been named in the squad alongside veteran all-rounder Axar Patel, who marks his return to the national setup. Axar replaces rookie left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, who has now been reassigned to link up with the India A red-ball squad for their upcoming multi-day series against Sri Lanka A.

The three-match ODI series against England is scheduled to take place next month, with matches hosted at Edgbaston (July 14), Sophia Gardens (July 16), and Lord's (July 19).