Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has raised concerns about the non-selection of three young cricketers in the national team’s ODI squad. Speaking on the sidelines of the launch event of Protocol 32, Yuvraj expressed his view that Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi possess immense talent that warrants more regular opportunities in 50-over cricket.
Yuvraj, who has served as a long-time mentor to Abhishek Sharma, shared his perspective on how the selection process affects emerging players. His comments highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing the development of young talent with the demands of international cricket competition.
“I would love to see him (Abhishek) in the ODIs, to be honest, and I have said this before that if we are not picking guys like Ishan Kishan, Abhishek and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in 50-over cricket, then somewhere down the line we are not doing justice to their talent,” Yuvraj was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.
Why does Yuvraj believe these three players deserve more ODI opportunities?
Ishan Kishan’s last ODI appearance came on July 19, 2026, against England, while both Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have featured in India’s recent T20I squad for the New Zealand tour. The selection dynamics in Indian cricket mean that opportunities for young players often depend on squad rotation and the form of established performers. Abhishek and Sooryavanshi have never been handed call-ups to the ODI setup.
What challenges do young players face in breaking into India’s ODI setup?
Yuvraj acknowledged that international cricket remains highly competitive and that young players face genuine obstacles when attempting to secure regular spots in established squads. He recognised that the depth of talent available to the Indian team creates a challenging environment for emerging cricketers seeking consistent game time.
Despite understanding these structural constraints, Yuvraj emphasised that Abhishek’s achievements reflect his own dedication and hard work. He credited the young batter for his personal efforts in developing his skills and earning recognition at both domestic and international levels.
India’s upcoming 50-over assignment is the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. The first ODI is scheduled to be held at Eden Park, Auckland on Wednesday, November 4.
