Since his T20I debut against West Indies in August 2023, Yashasvi Jaiswal has quickly built a reputation as one of the brightest young batting stars of India. In just 23 T20 internationals, the left-handed opener has scored 723 runs at a strike rate of over 164, yet his name was missing when India announced their 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025. The decision came as a surprise to many, given his recent run of form both internationally and in the IPL.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 2025 IPL season was another reminder of his consistency and flair. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he piled up 559 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate close to 160, registering six half-centuries along the way. Despite such numbers, the selectors led by Ajit Agarkar opted to go with Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill as the preferred batting options at the top of the order.
India will begin their Asia Cup journey on September 10 against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai, followed by the much-anticipated clash with Pakistan on September 14 at the same venue. The tournament features eight teams and is viewed as vital preparation for the global events ahead.
The omission of Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t gone unnoticed outside India either. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen voiced his surprise when a fan asked him about it during a Q&A session on X. KP described Yashasvi Jaiswal as a “major star” and admitted the decision felt unusual.
During the same session, Kevin Pietersen also shared his thoughts on Jos Buttler who turned 35 on September 8. When asked if Jos Buttler was England’s greatest white-ball batter, he had no hesitation in saying yes, calling him the best “by a country mile”. Jos Buttler’s record certainly supports the claim as he has scored over 5,400 runs in ODIs and 3,700 in T20Is. Moreover, under his leadership, England lifted the T20 World Cup in 2022 after defeating Pakistan in Melbourne.
Do you agree with Kevin Pietersen?
