In a recent development, sources close to BCCI informed us that Rajasthan Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is all set to replace CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad for the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 at the Oval. This news has come 10 days before the one-off test begins from 7 June onwards.
Our sources also told us the real reason of Gaikwad’s absence who has amassed 562 runs in 15 IPL matches this season. The 26-year-old is going to get married on 3-4 June and as soon as he informed the BCCI, Yashasvi Jaiswal was named as his replacement.
Moreover, the apex cricketing board of India has asked Jaiswal to start practicing with the Red ball and he will be flying to England in a few days time. Half of the Indian contingent has already flown to London and the remaining players will be there after the IPL Final between CSK and GT.
During the previous WTC final, India failed end their ICC trophy drought as New Zealand won by 8-wickets at the Rose Bowl stadium at Southampton. However this time around under a new captaincy and new management, team India will hope to end the drought an finally land an ICC trophy for the first time since 2013.
The squad has already been announced and the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal as a stand by opener could give team India an extended option to look out for. Although Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are most likely to open for India but anything can happen and Jaiswal should be ready for his opportunity.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and his IPL stats!
The Mumbai born batter has been in emphatic form in IPL 2023. While opening alongside English captain Jos Buttler, he smacked 625 runs in 14 league outings. Yashasvi Jaiswal batted at a strike rate of 163, scoring 5 half-centuries and 1 Full-century.
In the Ranji Trophy, Jaiswal amassed 404 runs in just 5 games.
