What are the answers to Wasim Jaffer's three questions on India squad for West Indies? Explained

India's Test and ODI squads against West Indies have faced backlashes across various sections from various angles.

Former cricketers have taken to social media and TV interviews to express their startled thoughts as the Indian selectors made a few bold choices for the upcoming Caribbean tour.

India will play an all-format series in West Indies and after the recent WTC Final horror show against Australia, the selectors took some mixed steps.

Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped, which was coming after the batter's dismal run. Yashasvi Jaiswal was included in the Test squad after serial performances, which even extended to IPL 2023 season. Mukesh Kumar's inclusion was justifiable as well.

But the main questions are not on inclusions, but rather on some baffling exclusions. Sarfaraz Khan, a player who has scored at an average of over 90 in the last two Ranji seasons was snubbed. So was Abhimanyu Easwaran, who scored a plethora of runs of Bengal in Ranji and led India A extremely well.

And former India batter Wasim Jaffer asked three questions on his social media handle on Saturday (June 24). The former player questioned many selection choices and asked for an explanation of the justification of certain decisions.

Wasim Jaffer Question 1

"What's the need of four openers? Instead, they could have picked Sarfaraz as extra middle-order bat to honour his consistent domestic performances."

It is quite baffling for us to think as well. For just two Tests, picking a four-man opening roster is beyond expectation. Selectors went with Rohit Sharma, who could have easily been given a break for the longer format and Sarfaraz could have been incorporated there.

Wasim Jaffer Question 2

"Easwaran and Panchal have also been doing hard yards in Ranji and India A, knocking on Test doors for a long time. Just because they don't play IPL, is it a case of out of sight out of mind?"

Abhimanyu Easwaran, who plays for Bengal has been a fantastic performer. He has been a heavy scorer for Bengal and has been top drawer while his India A duties. Hence Easwaran's snub is a huge question mark.

Regarding Priyank Panchal, the 33-year-old Gujarat batter scored 583 runs in the Ranji season with an average of 116, but according to reports, had a miserable outing in India nets where the bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin got the better of him with ease. And look at the age there! In India, the age factor is a massive conundrum and that may have played a part as well in Panchal's selection.

Wasim Jaffer Question 3

How did Ruturaj jump the queue?

Regarding Ruturaj Gaikwad, it is definitely a naive decision. Gaikwad has amassed 1941 runs in 28 first-class matches, with a modest average of 42. He had a stellar campaign in the IPL 2023 with Chennai Super Kings though, scoring 590 runs in the tournament as CSK won the IPL for the fifth time in their history.

The Maharashtra batter leapfrogging the serial runscorers like Easwaran, Sarfaraz or others warrants a strong debate. There is no harm in giving Gaikwad a chance in the longest format, that just shouldn't be at the expense of people who deserve more.

Jaffer also questioned the necessity of resting Mohammed Shami, but we think Shami can enjoy some extra time off before gearing up for the ODI World Cup.