Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal spoke on Thursday about his respect for India's top batsman Virat Kohli and how he received some invaluable advice. He stated that Kohli’s discipline motivates him to do the same.
As India begins the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024) tomorrow at Perth's Optus Stadium, the 22-year-old Jaiswal prepares for his biggest challenge yet.
After dominating home conditions and a dismal showing in South Africa on his maiden overseas trip last year, the left-hander will be looking to make apologies and breakthrough in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as many young players have done in the past.
"When I started playing like senior cricket, I did speak to Virat Paaji about how he managed himself. Paaji has said to me that if I want to play all that cricket, then I have to be disciplined in my daily routines and follow the process. So I have seen him doing the stuff consistently day by day. Actually seeing him, motivates me a lot to put in the work and do something and make a difference in my habits, which is really important for me. I feel like I will be better day by day,” Jaiswal said about Kohli in a video shared by BCCI.
Jaiswal, who made his India Test debut in 2023, has played 14 Tests and scored 1,407 runs at an average of 56.28, with a strike rate of 70.13. He has scored three centuries and eight fifties, with the best score of 214*.
Jaiswal has been much stronger at home, scoring 1,091 runs in 10 matches, averaging 60.61, striking at 76.29, with two centuries and seven fifties. His best score is 214*.
Speaking on his inaugural trip to Australia, Jaiswal stated that, while things are different here, he is excited to play and face the varied conditions straight on.
"It is my first trip to Australia. I am very excited to play here. I want to play well and do well. It is different here. The ball is different, the wicket is different. But I think we know that. I think we are ready mentally.
I really want to be in. I want to go in. I want to see it. I want to be there. Because people, a lot of time they talk about stuff. This happened, that happened. But I want to go and face it and I want to enjoy that moment with a smile. That is all I think about. Because until you are not there, you actually do not really feel what it is. I always see it this way. And it is always an opportunity for me to go out there and learn," he added.
The youngster said that the desire to play for India continues to be his biggest motivation.
"I am really blessed to have these opportunities. And I am ready for it mentally, and physically. I want to play fearless and I want to enjoy," he signed off.
Here is the video:
(ANI inputs)
