Categories: Sports

Yashasvi Jaiswal To Play SMAT: Why It Is A Better Option For The Left-Handed Batter Rather Than Being A Part Of Indian Squad For SA T20Is

Fresh from a brilliant hundred against South Africa, Indian batter Yashasvi Jaiswal is all set to feature in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Mumbai.

Add NewsX As A Trusted Source
Add as a preferred
source on Google
Published by Somya Kapoor
Published: December 7, 2025 14:00:24 IST

After a brilliant show in the final ODI against South Africa, India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal who struck his maiden ODI ton in Visakhapatnam on Saturday is now all set to feature in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy fixtures for Mumbai. According to a Cricbuzz report, Jaiswal who last played a T20I match for India in July 2024 against Sri Lanka, has “given his consent” to play for the defending champions in the ongoing premier domestic T20 tournament.

“He has made himself available for the SMAT campaign in the super league,” a top Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz on Sunday (December 7).

The Shardul Thakur-led Mumbai team has book a spot in the Super League on Saturday afternoon after winning five out of six Elite Group A matches played so far. 

Why Is It Good For Yashasvi Jaiswal To Play SMAT?

Yashasvi Jaiswal isn’t a part of the Indian T20 side that will play South Africa in a five-match series starting from December 9. Fresh from a hundred, the left-handed batter has a chance to continue his form in domestic T20 tournament and is likely to get some good game time as three of the Mumbai players won’t be available. 

Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube will be on national duty during the Super League matches while Ayush Mhatre who was earlier named India’s U19 captain for the Asia Cup will be in Dubai for the tournament. With a slot up for grabs in the top-order, Jaiswal’s entry in the Playing XI would be a straight forward one. 

Not Being a Part of Indian Squad– Boon Or Curse?

The Indian team already has Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma for the opening slot. Gill’s availability is dependent on his fitness. But even if the right-handed batter is not available, Team India can ask Sanju Samson to take that spot along side Abhishek.

Samson has done decently well in whatever the chances he has got. So, with three opening options already available for the team management, accommodating Jaiswal would have been tough and just making him sit in the dug out with the squad wouldn’t have done any good to him. 

So, playing in domestic circuit is a much better option. 

Also Read: ‘Mai Mota Ho Jaunga…’, Rohit Sharma Refuses Cake From Yashasvi Jaiswal As India Celebrates Win In SA Series

Published by Somya Kapoor
Published: December 7, 2025 14:00:24 IST

Recent Posts

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin Launches Six Space Tourists, Who Are They? Here’s What You Need To Know

Blue Origin’s NS‑38 mission launched six diverse passengers, including CEOs, doctors, and astronauts-in-training, from West…

January 22, 2026

Smriti Mandhana’s Ex-Fiance Palash Muchhal Accused Of Cheating Sangli Man Of Rs 40 Lakh; Police Begin Probe

Music composer Palash Muchhal faces cheating allegations after Sangli-based actor-producer Vidnyan Mane accused him of…

January 22, 2026

‘No Need To Politicise, It Is Very Safe, You Should Visit’: Lalit Modi Urges Bangladesh To Play T20 World Cup Matches In India

Lalit Modi urges Bangladesh to play T20 World Cup matches in India, calling the country…

January 22, 2026