The opener’s ferocity, finesse & adaptability have ensured a quick rise up the ranks, attracting lavish praise from his captain. It all bodes well ahead of the looming acid test, the 5-game series Down Under…
BENGALURU: In the short while that Gautam Gambhir has been Team India head coach, he has reiterated one of his key philosophies of acing Test cricket – adaptability.The head coach couldn’t have found a better ambassador for this mantra than opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Although questions have been raised on Jaiswal’s ability to stretch his current purple patch to the five Tests in Australia beginning next month, his current form and ability to switch gears bodes well. The cool head he bears on his strong shoulders are an added bonus.
Given the way he carries himself, it’s hard to believe Jaiswal will celebrate only his 23rd birthday in Dec. Mostly likely, he will celebrate the day Down Under. His approach to the game is often modern, although his techniques are classic. He can drop jaws with the ferocity with which he attacks opposition bowlers and yet draw applause from purists with the finesse of his shots.
In an age of quick-fix cricket, Jaiswal comes across as a square peg. He loves the red-ball version of the game and is hungry to make a mark. A teen sensation who broke on to the domestic circuit in 2019 and made an instant impact, he has shown that he is an incredibly quick learner.
LIVE: India vs NZ 1st day washed out | Virat Kohli’s form | 2025 IPL Retentions
Two years ago, turning up for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy final against South, Jaiswal struck a double ton, but his on-field behaviour left a sour note. His constant sledging of the opposition led skipper Ajinkya Rahane to give him marching orders after he failed to heed the umpires’ warning. He was censured by the match referee as well.
That incident, luckily, appears to be an aberration. He has adapted well and been a far more disciplined player after breaking into the India team in July last year. In the two Tests away in South Africa. Jaiswal was immediately under the scanner after he scored 50 in two matches (17 & 5; 0 & 28). While he wasn’t the only Indian to fail, his failure stood out.
Jaiswal showcased his versatility early. In his debut against hosts West Indies in Roseau, he spent 501 minutes at the crease, crafting a 387-ball 171. Yet, in the next match, he appeared equally comfortable clobbering the West Indies bowlers around the park, making a 74-ball 57 without compromising on his instincts. In his 11-match Test career so far, he has been a revelation.
In seven home Tests thereafter, he has scored at least a half-century in each match. He has two double centuries, coming in back-to-back matches against England and amassed a staggering 901 runs in the seven home games.
Skipper Rohit Sharma has been a staunch believer in the youngster’s abilities. “I’m not surprised at all (by his progress) because the guy has got real talent,” Rohit said. “He has the game to suit any conditions. He is new to international cricket and it is hard to judge him right now. But he has all the ingredients for success at this level. It is just about how he manages himself in the next couple of years.”
For Rohit, Jaiswal, his opening partner, has been a worthy investment. “In this brief time, he has shown that you can bet on him and expect him to do wonders for the team. He has come through the ranks and shown what he is capable of. Hopefully, he will continue to do that.”
“He is somebody who wants to learn the game and learn about batsmanship, which is always a nice thing,” Rohit added.
