Pathan Raises Concerns Over Jaiswal's Form, Questions India's T20 World Cup Opening Combination

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over Yashasvi Jaiswal's recent form in the Indian Premier League (IPL), suggesting that it could impact India's opening combination for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Jaiswal, who is considered a potential opener for India in the T20 World Cup, has struggled in recent matches for Rajasthan Royals. In their fourth consecutive defeat, Jaiswal managed just four runs against Punjab Kings.

Pathan believes that Jaiswal's current form could lead the Indian team to rethink their opening partnership. "It's a massive area of concern because I believe Yashasvi Jaiswal should start in the World Cup as he is a left-handed batter," Pathan said on Star Sports. "So the opposing team won't start with a left-arm spinner. They will hesitate a little if he is in form."

However, Pathan also acknowledged the dilemma India might face, weighing the option of an in-form Virat Kohli opening alongside Rohit Sharma versus persisting with Jaiswal, who is relatively young and inexperienced. "The team will think whether they should open with in-form Virat Kohli alongside Rohit Sharma, or go with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is young and inexperienced. So it's extremely necessary for him to come in form," Pathan added.

Despite Jaiswal's struggles, Pathan noted the silver lining of him getting more opportunities due to Rajasthan Royals' qualification in the tournament. However, he underscored the impact of Jaiswal's form on the team's performance, particularly in the absence of Jos Buttler.

"The good thing for Yashasvi is that he will get chances because his team has qualified, and if they make a place in the top two, he will get more chances. Keeping that in mind, there are a few positive things for Yashasvi, but this form will trouble Rajasthan Royals a lot as well," Pathan said.

Observing Jaiswal's dismissal against Punjab, Pathan analyzed the opener's approach and suggested that he seemed unsettled and indecisive, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Tags: #YashasviJaiswal, #IrfanPathan, #T20WorldCup, #IndiaCricket, #OpeningCombination