Aakash Chopra sees toss-up between Jaiswal and Gaikwad for 2027 World Cup reserve spots

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has said a selection toss-up exists between openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad for reserve spots in India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Chopra made the comments on September 19 as India prepares for a three-match ODI series against the West Indies starting September 27.

Both players are part of the current 15-member squad. Jaiswal has scored 285 runs in six ODIs at an average of 71.25 with two centuries. Gaikwad has scored 228 runs in nine ODIs at an average of 28.50 with one century and one fifty. Chopra noted that the World Cup is one year away and Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to score runs on their return to the side.

Chopra also addressed the situation around Rishabh Pant, who was left out of the West Indies series in favour of Dhruv Jurel. He said Pant's exclusion from white-ball cricket shows the selection committee has made up its mind on the wicketkeeper's role in the shorter formats.