Yashasvi Jaiswal to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad as a stand- opener for WTC Final

Mumbai opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included in the India squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final as a stand- player after Ruturaj Gaikwad informed the cricket board that he will be getting married on June 3-4. The Indian Express understands that the team management has asked Jaiswal to start practising with the red ball and as he already holds a UK visa, he will be flying to London in a few days.
Jaiswal has been in great form this season. Playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, he scored 625 runs in 14 matches while in Ranji Trophy, he managed 404 runs in five games.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had initially added Gaikwad as a stand- opener for the WTC Final, where India will face Australia at The Oval on June 7. Gaikwad informed the BCCI that he could join the team after June 5, but coach Rahul Dravid sought a replacement.
Yashasvi Jaiswal after scoring a ton. (FILE)
“He (Jaiswal) will be joining the Indian team as Gaikwad has informed us that he won’t be able to fly due to his marriage. He would be able to join the team post-June 5. (But) Coach Rahul Dravid took a call, asking the selectors to pick a replacement. So, Jaiswal will now fly to London soon,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express.
India captain Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishen will leave for London on May 28 while Suryakumar Yadav will depart on May 30th with Mohammed Shami, Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja, who will play the IPL final on Sunday.
The Indian team has left for London in batches and those who are already there have begun training.
BCCI to announce World Cup schedule during WTC
Meanwhile, the BCCI will be announcing the ICC ODI World Cup schedule during the ICC World Test Championship final, informed BCCI secretary Jay Shah. However, the fate of the Asia Cup will be decided the Asian Cricket Council members.
The Indian board held its Special General Body Meeting in Ahmedabad, where it was decided they will form a committee that will look after ODI World Cup and the Women’s Premier League. “As far as the venues for the ICC Cricket World Cup are concerned, each office-bearer will be responsible for each venue. We are looking at all the metros as venues for the tournament,” Shah said.
With regards to the next edition of the Women’s Premier League, Shah said, ”We will have a discussion with the broadcasters and decide on a window. We will be looking at a window before March 2024”
To address injury concerns of players, the Indian board has created a structure where every state association will appoint a Strength and Conditioning coach along with a Sports Science and Sports Medicine team. The candidates will be interviewed a National Cricket Academy panel.

Tours are also being planned for the India ‘A’ team and the board is currently in conversation with England and New Zealand.