Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has offered valuable suggestions to the team management ahead of the three-match ODI series between India and the West Indies, starting September 27. Speaking on JioHotstar’s special show ‘Follow the Blues’, Pathan said that this series is the perfect opportunity for India to test their bench strength, keeping in mind the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.

India vs WI ODI Series: Irfan Pathan expressed confidence in Yashasvi Jaiswal and Naman Dheer, saying, ‘This is the right time to test our bench strength’

Preparation for the 2027 World Cup and the impact of the Asian Games

With senior players like Jasprit Bumrah being rested and Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar playing in the Asian Games, several young players have been given opportunities.

According to Pathan, this overlap will prove beneficial for the Indian team.

“This isn’t the main squad for the ODIs against the West Indies, and I think that’s the right approach,” Irfan Pathan said on the show.

“You’ll have very limited matches before next year’s World Cup. You’ll also need to test your bench strength in those matches. The Asian Games and this series happening together is a win-win situation, as many new faces will get a chance.”

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been given consistent opportunities as a backup opener.

Pathan specifically mentioned explosive left-handed batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal , stressing that India should fully develop their backup opener before the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.

“The player I’ll be watching the most in this ODI series is Yashasvi Jaiswal. He’s the backup opener in the team,” Pathan said.

“By the time you get to South Africa for the World Cup, your backup opener should have plenty of match experience. By rotating the batting order or creating opportunities, I’d like to see Yashasvi play in all three matches.”

Naman Dheer: All-round ability will be his biggest strength

The former all-rounder praised Punjab’s young player Naman Dheer after he was included in the ODI squad for the first time. In the absence of Washington Sundar and the injury to Riyan Parag, Naman’s off-spin and ability to bat in the lower/upper order could be useful for the team.

Pathan added, “I’m a big fan of Naman Dheer. Besides his impressive performances in domestic cricket, he was selected because of his off-spin bowling abilities. The ODI team was sorely lacking such an all-rounder. If he gets a chance in the playing XI, his bowling will be a true test, more so than his batting.”

statement by the veteran