'Yashasvi Jaiswal deserved a Chance, But He Has Time': India Star's Childhood Coach Arif Hussain defends Selectors' Decision| Exclusive

Yashasvi Jaiswal has failed to find a place in India's upcoming ODI series against England, despite his decent outing in the recently concluded Afghanistan series.

Called up as a replacement for the injured Virat Kohli, Jaiswal played in India's 3-0 whitewash of Afghanistan.

In the second ODI in Lucknow, he scored just 4 runs off 9 balls. In the third ODI in Chennai, he delivered a commanding unbeaten 110 off 86 balls, featuring 14 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 127.91. This anchored a nine-wicket chase of 219 alongside Rohit Sharma's 79, marking his second ODI century in six innings, the fastest to the milestone among Indian players.

Arif Hussain speaks on Yashasvi Jaiswal

Despite this impressive ton, Jaiswal was left out of India's ODI squad for the upcoming England series. As a proven star in Tests, Jaiswal remains in contention via India A sides or domestic white-ball matches. And amid the recent omission, Yashasvi's childhood coach Arif Hussain reckons the chances will come in his way eventually.

MyKhel caught up with Hussain for an exclusive chat, who defended the selectors' decision despite admitting that Yashasvi deserves a chance in the white-ball format.

"Yashasvi deserves an opportunity, but it's difficult. With Virat Kohli in the side, you expect selectors to pick him only. But time is on Yashasvi's side, he will get his chance."

The Bhadohi-based coach was the one who mentored the Indian player in his early days. Hailing Yashasvi's knock against Afghanistan, he also credited the southpaw for his batting brilliance.

"Yashasvi has performed whenever he has been given a chance. He has cemented his place on the Test side, which is not easy at all. And in the limited overs, Yashasvi needs to wait. The team management picks a squad on the basis of the current hierarchy, and Yashasvi will eventually go up in the pecking order."

Jaiswal had a stellar outing in the IPL 2026 season, where he scored 427 runs for Rajasthan Royals as they qualified for the playoffs. The 24-year-old also played in the one-off Test against Afghans, where he scored 24 runs in his solitary innings.