# India coach says Jaiswal must wait for ODI chances

2026-09-26T12:46:26+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has told Yashasvi Jaiswal to keep working hard and wait for his opportunity in ODIs, saying the competition for places is intense and his limited chances are not unfair. Jaiswal, who played all three ODIs against Afghanistan, was left out of the England tour but is back in the squad for the three-match series against the West Indies starting Sunday. Kotak confirmed that Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill remain India's first-choice opening pair. He said the support staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, continue to work with Jaiswal on his skills and mindset. Kotak compared the situation to having three good wicketkeepers but only one can play. Kotak said India's planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa will be done series by series, starting with a New Zealand tour in different conditions. He added that Ravindra Jadeja is very much in the mix after returning to the white-ball squad. Gill has been declared fit for Sunday's opener after a minor elbow injury.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The Times of India and Rediff both focus on Kotak's framing that Jaiswal's exclusion is not unfair due to competition, quoting him directly. The Indian Express instead leads with Virat Kohli's praise for Gill's captaincy, positioning Gill as a long-term leader. Neither outlet questions the pecking order or cites a counterview from Jaiswal or critics. The balanced reading is that the team management is publicly backing the established opening pair while privately developing Jaiswal as the next in line. The first ODI on Sunday will show whether Gill and Rohit deliver as a pair. The Indian Express also features Kohli's comments on playing more freely, aiming to help India post 350-360 consistently.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-west-indies/there-is-so-much-competition-kotak-says-its-not-unfair-to-jaiswal-tells-him-to-keep-working-hard-and-waiting/articleshow/134503322.cms>
  Straight report of Kotak's press conference with direct quotes, no added opinion or criticism
- rediff.com (neutral report) <https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/rohit-gill-or-jaiswal-coach-reveals-indias-odi-plan/20260926.htm>
  Factual summary of Kotak's statements on opening pair, Jaiswal's wait, and World Cup plans
- indianexpress.com (neutral report) <https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/kohli-backs-shubman-gill-india-captaincy-west-indies-series-10895201/>
  Leads with Kohli's praise for Gill's captaincy, adds Kohli's batting reflections, no critical frame

Tags: India cricket team, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sitanshu Kotak, Yashasvi Jaiswal
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