IPL 2022: Nikhil Chopra, Wasim Jaffer open up on Yashasvi Jaiswal's inclusion in RR's XI vs PBKS

The left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal has been an impressive player at the top-order for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and was one of the three retained players ahead of the IPL 2022 auction as well. However, he was dropped from the side, as he could score only 25 runs in three innings. In RR’s ongoing fixture against Punjab Kings (PBKS), the southpaw has replaced Karun Nair in the Playing XI. Ahead of this fixture, the former Indian cricketers Wasim Jaffer and Nikhil Chopra discussed this latest development.

Chopra thinks the addition of Jaiswal is a little bit shocking, as it will disturb the batting line-up of the team, which has already been average. He reckoned that the Royals are making many changes in the last few matches, and need to have a settled combination, as the business end of the tournament has arrived. Chopra further added that Devdutt Padikkal has been one of the consistent run-scorers in the last few editions of the tournament, and should play as an opener only.

“Where will Yashasvi bat, they may be thinking of bringing Padikkal into the middle-order. I am a little shocked, that a team that is doing well in the tournament is making changes in every game. By now, your XI should be settled, until and unless there is a niggle. Padikkal is probably one of the consistent openers for the last two editions of the tournament and plays the new ball well,” said Chopra on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket’ Show on CricTracker.

Karun Nair has been used as a floater: Wasim Jaffer

Jaffer reckoned that he is surprised by the exclusion of Nair, as he got only limited opportunities this season. He felt that the Karnataka player has been used as a floater on most occasions, where he does not have the set batting position. Further, the former cricketer thinks that the team can have the same openers in form of Padikkal and Buttler, and Jaiswal can bat at the number three position.

” I am also surprised they have not continued with Karun Nair. It certainly breaks the confidence of the player. On most occasions, he plays as a floater and does not have a clear idea of the batting position, and is dropped as well. I think they have trusted the ability of Padikkal, and he will open with Buttler and Yashasvi will come at number three. If the openers play out the powerplay well, Yashasvi will play the role of a floater,” said Jaffer.