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Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has questioned Yashasvi Jaiswal's decision to explore wicketkeeping, advising the 24-year-old batter to concentrate on his batting ahead of the 2026–27 domestic cricket season.
Jaiswal has been seen wearing the wicketkeeping gloves during Mumbai's preparations for the Ranji Trophy. Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad has indicated that the India opener is keen to develop wicketkeeping as an additional skill, potentially with ambitions of representing Mumbai or India in the role.
However, Jaffer believes that taking up a specialised position at this stage could be a demanding undertaking, particularly for a player who has established himself primarily as a batter.
Jaffer expressed surprise at Jaiswal's reported move, highlighting the physical demands and specialised techniques involved in wicketkeeping.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former India opener questioned whether the role would be a practical option for a player who had not trained as a wicketkeeper from an early age.
Jaffer's concern centres on the time and effort needed to develop the skills required behind the stumps. He also questioned where Jaiswal might fit into India's established wicketkeeping options, pointing to players such as Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant.
Jaffer's comments reflect his view that Jaiswal should strengthen his primary discipline rather than divide his attention between batting and a demanding new role.
Jaffer also suggested that Jaiswal might be looking to improve his prospects of securing a regular place in India's white-ball teams.
Although Jaiswal has established himself as an important batter in Test cricket, his place in India's ODI and T20I setups has not been as consistent.
Jaffer urged him to concentrate on batting ahead of the Ranji Trophy and India's upcoming tour of New Zealand.
The advice highlights a wider question for developing international players: whether expanding into additional roles can improve selection opportunities or whether it risks taking time away from their strongest skill.
Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad previously indicated that Jaiswal had begun practising wicketkeeping because he wanted to add another dimension to his game.
Lad suggested that Jaiswal could eventually aspire to keep wickets for Mumbai or the Indian team, while acknowledging that he did not have complete clarity about the batter's long-term intentions.
Jaiswal has also practised part-time leg-spin, making wicketkeeping another potential addition to his skill set.
Reports indicated that he had kept wickets for approximately 10 overs during one of Mumbai's practice matches ahead of the domestic season.
However, training in the role does not establish that he will become Mumbai's regular wicketkeeper or that the Indian team intends to select him in that position.
Jaiswal was expected to feature in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy season opener against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium on October 11, 2026.
The domestic fixture provides an opportunity for him to return to red-ball cricket before his international commitments. His batting performance and any further development of his wicketkeeping skills will be closely watched.
For now, the key distinction is between exploring a new skill and making a permanent change of role. Neither Jaiswal nor the team has been reported as confirming a permanent switch to wicketkeeping.
Jaiswal's wicketkeeping practice has generated debate about his long-term plans and the best way to maximise his value as a cricketer.
Jaffer's position is clear: batting should remain the priority. Lad's comments, meanwhile, suggest that Jaiswal is interested in broadening his abilities, although his eventual role remains uncertain.
Whether wicketkeeping becomes a meaningful part of Jaiswal's future will depend on his continued development, team requirements and selection decisions.
The Times of India — 'Focus on your batting': Wasim Jaffer questions Yashasvi Jaiswal's wicketkeeping move
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/focus-on-your-batting-wasim-jaffer-questions-yashasvi-jaiswals-wicketkeeping-move/articleshow/134852485.cms
Supports Jaffer's comments, his reasoning, Jaiswal's wicketkeeping practice and the expected Ranji Trophy appearance.
The Indian Express — 'It's a joke': Mumbai legend urges Jaiswal to focus on batting, not wicket-keeping
https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/yashasvi-jaiswal-wicketkeeper-joke-wasim-jaffer-mumbai-ranji-trophy-10915482/
Independent corroboration of the debate surrounding Jaiswal's new training role and Jaffer's response.
Mid-Day — Yashasvi Jaiswal has wicketkeeping ambitions for India, says Mumbai Ranji skipper Siddhesh Lad
https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/yashasvi-jaiswal-has-wicketkeeping-ambitions-for-india-says-ranji-captain-siddhesh-lad-23654031
Supports Lad's comments about Jaiswal's wicketkeeping practice and possible ambitions.
India Today — Yashasvi Jaiswal wants to add more to his game, working on wicketkeeping with Mumbai
https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/sports/cricket/story/yashasvi-jaiswal-wicketkeeping-skills-mumbai-ranji-trophy-video-3012446-2026-10-08
Provides additional reporting on Jaiswal's training and Mumbai's explanation of his developing skill set.
