'If Jaiswal doesn't play now, it makes no difference at all' — Ajinkya Rahane
Rahane said Jaiswal does not need a game in the dead rubber. He backed opportunities for Reddy and Siraj instead.
Ajinkya Rahane said Yashasvi Jaiswal does not need game time in the third ODI against West Indies. Rahane argued that the top order is settled and that opportunities should go to all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and pacer Mohammed Siraj instead.
Jaiswal has not played in the first two matches. Rahane said giving Reddy confidence now matters more because his role will be crucial at the 2027 World Cup.
India have already secured the series. Dinesh Karthik said the team has the option to make one or two changes or stick with the winning combination.
CricHubb Take
The decision reveals a hierarchy of priorities. World Cup planning now outweighs giving the backup opener a look-in, even in a dead rubber.