Irfan Pathan backs Yashasvi Jaiswal for West Indies ODIs

Irfan Pathan says the upcoming three‑match series is the perfect platform for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Naman Dhir to earn their spots before the 2027 World Cup.

The Men in Blue open a three‑match ODI series against the West Indies on September 27, and the line‑up will look very different from the usual starting XI. With Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar tied up at the Asian Games, the board has a chance to stretch its bench.

Irfan Pathan, now a regular analyst on JioHotstar’s Follow the Blues, used his segment to flag two young names that could shape India’s World Cup plans. He singled out Yashasvi Jaiswal, the backup opener, saying the series should give him enough innings to prove his mettle before the tournament in South Africa.

“He is the backup opener in the squad, and by the time you reach South Africa for the World Cup, your backup opener should have had enough opportunities,” Pathan told the camera.

Pathan’s point is simple: the West Indies series is a low‑stakes environment where the team can experiment with the batting order. Rotating players, he suggested, could let Jaiswal settle into the opening slot without the pressure of a high‑profile match.

The former left‑arm fast bowler also praised Naman Dhir, a newcomer who earned his first ODI call‑up. Dhir, a right‑hand bat who can also spin a few overs, fills a gap that has long bothered the limited‑overs side.

“I really admire Naman Dhir, I think he is a great talent,” Pathan said. “His bowling will be tested, and that’s exciting.”

Dhir’s inclusion comes as Washington Sundar remains unavailable for the Asian Games and Riyan Parag battles injury concerns. Pathan believes a player who can bat anywhere in the order and chip in with off‑spin is a rare commodity in the current set‑up.

Cricket fans will be watching the series closely, not just for the on‑field action but for the clues it gives about India’s strategy ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The schedule packs three ODIs into a week, with matches slated for 2 pm each day on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.

If the experiment works, Jaiswal could cement his place as a reliable opener, while Dhir might earn a regular spot as a utility player. Both have the chance to turn a backup role into a starting one, provided they make the most of the limited opportunities.

The series also offers a glimpse into how the Indian team will manage player workloads when the Asian Games and the West Indies tour run side by side. Pathan called the overlap a “blessing in disguise,” allowing younger talent to step up while senior stars rest.

As the first ball rolls out in Thiruvananthapuram, the real story will be whether the bench can rise to the occasion. The next few weeks could rewrite the pecking order and set the tone for a World Cup campaign that many already deem crucial.

What to watch

Jaiswal’s position at the top of the order and his ability to anchor the innings.
Dhir’s dual role with bat and ball, especially his off‑spin against West Indian bowlers.
How the team’s rotation policy affects match outcomes.

The series concludes on October 3, and the performances will likely influence the final squad announcement for the 2027 World Cup. Keep an eye on the live streams. The bench might just become the headline.