Yashasvi Jaiswal's absence from the squad named for the upcoming New Zealand ODI series drew comment from former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who noted that a prolonged stretch without international appearances carries a risk of eroding the opener's self-belief.

On Friday, the BCCI released its ODI and Test squad selections for the New Zealand tour, with Jaiswal's name absent from either group. Ashwin described Jaiswal as a consistent run-scorer and put forward the view that, were Shubman Gill unavailable for the final two ODIs, the left-handed batter deserved a place in the side — adding that limited playing time at this point in his development could weigh on the youngster's form and mindset.

On his YouTube channel, Ashwin noted that he could relate to Shubman Gill's position, given that Gill had been away from home and on the move during the period when his run-scoring form was building. Ashwin also indicated a degree of empathy toward KL Rahul's position in the matter.

Jaiswal has not featured in any match action in the period under discussion. Ashwin stated that Jaiswal's selection was not driven by a desire to hand out opportunities without scrutiny, while also expressing both understanding of and agreement with that position. Ashwin observed that signs of wavering confidence had become detectable in Jaiswal's demeanour, and acknowledged uncertainty on the matter, noting that the player's approach at the crease had shifted noticeably from what it had been a couple of seasons earlier.

Jaiswal's most recent ODI innings came against Afghanistan in June, as part of a three-match series India won without a defeat. Batting as a replacement for the injured Virat Kohli, the then-24-year-old left-hander finished unbeaten on 110 runs from 86 deliveries in that 50-over contest.

Ashwin stated that providing the youngster with regular playing opportunities was a responsibility that fell to the selectors and team management, adding that the player had been a prolific scorer throughout his career. Ashwin characterised the situation as one he personally regarded as unfair, noting that those opportunities had not materialised for Jaiswal.

Ashwin raised the question of how recently Jaiswal had featured across all three international formats, while noting that Test preparation carries weight for the batter and that match time at that level is difficult to replicate. Jaiswal's ODI appearances have been notably infrequent, and the gap since his last T20 international appearance has also drawn attention. Ashwin noted that the Test match played in Sri Lanka was Jaiswal's final appearance in that format to date.

Pointing to Jaiswal's run-scoring output in recent matches, Ashwin argued that the batter's absence from international selection represented a missed opportunity, adding that no international appearances had followed for Jaiswal since that Sri Lanka Test. Ashwin described Jaiswal as a player of considerable natural ability who had been delivering runs at a steady rate and appeared to be performing strongly during that period, scoring across varying pitch conditions. Ashwin went on to state that responsibility for Jaiswal's welfare as a player fell on the selectors and team management.

Picked for the India A squad ahead of a two-Test assignment, Jaiswal is set to feature in a three-game red-ball fixture against New Zealand that gets under way at Lincoln on 26 October. KL Rahul is also expected to feature alongside him. A source close to the selection process noted that, given the two ODIs on the schedule, the question of whether Jaiswal had been approached about his availability — and whether he wished to take part — was one that any person in a team management or selection role would have put to him directly.