Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind Yashasvi Jaiswal, urging the Indian think tank to hand the young left-hander consistent opportunities in the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, which begins at home on 27 September. Pathan's intervention comes as India balance a split-squad situation, with the full-strength T20I unit deployed for the Asian Games.

Pathan's Case for Jaiswal

Jaiswal has impressed in the limited ODI exposure he has received, scoring two centuries in just six ODIs — a strike rate of conversion that few openers can match at that stage of their international career. He currently sits as India's third opener, behind captain Shubman Gill and veteran Rohit Sharma.

Pathan, speaking in a Star Sports video posted on X (formerly Twitter), was unambiguous about his concern. 'There is one player who I will keep an eye on in this series. He is Yashasvi Jaiswal — (eager to see) how many opportunities he gets, especially in this one-day series in front of the West Indies,' he said.

The former all-rounder pressed further, warning against leaving the backup opener under-prepared ahead of a marquee event. 'By the time you reach South Africa (for the ODI World Cup), it shouldn't be that the backup opener you have has not got ample opportunities. So for me, to see him regularly playing whenever the opportunity arrives, he should be there,' Pathan added.

A Second-String Squad with First-Rate Opportunity

India's ODI squad against the Windies carries several players on the fringes of regular selection, given that Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar are all away at the Asian Games. Pathan viewed this as a genuine opening for the bench. 'It's like a second team where a lot of players are being tried. Nitish Kumar Reddy will get an opportunity; Jurel will get an opportunity. Along with that, Auqib Nabi — who earns his first ODI call — and Gurnoor Brar will get an opportunity to take their careers forward in international cricket,' he said.

Notably, Naman Dhir receives his maiden India call-up for this series. Pathan singled him out with particular enthusiasm. 'I really admire him. I think he's got great talent. But more than for his performance in domestic cricket, he has been selected for his bowling skills. He is an off-spinner, and India are missing that a little bit — because Washington isn't available either, and Riyan Parag has concerns about an injury,' Pathan noted.

World Cup Clock Is Ticking

With the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa on the horizon, Pathan framed the West Indies series within a longer strategic arc. India will have roughly 11 ODIs before the tournament and need those matches to answer pressing selection questions, particularly around batting depth and spin options. 'Before the World Cup, which is going to take place next year, you are going to get 11 matches. And in that, you want to see this bench strength as well,' he said.

Pathan acknowledged the fortunate timing of the dual assignments. 'If the Asian Games and the West Indies series have come simultaneously, then it's a blessing in disguise where a lot of young boys will definitely get a chance,' he remarked.

What to Watch in the Series

The India–West Indies ODI series offers a low-risk environment — a home assignment against a side India have historically dominated in white-ball cricket — to make bold selection calls. The key watchpoints will be whether Jaiswal opens or bats lower down, how Naman Dhir's off-spin integrates into the attack, and whether any of the fringe players stake a credible claim for a 2027 World Cup berth. Selection decisions in this window could shape India's World Cup planning well into next year.