The Indian cricket team is due to play Bangladesh in two Test matches, starting on September 19 at Chepauk. The Bangla Tigers have come to India on the back of a historic 2-0 Test series win in Pakistan.
Two days ahead of the opening Test, India skipper Rohit Sharma addressed a press conference, where he praised Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan for their hunger for runs and called it a 'good sign' for Indian cricket.
The young trio played critical roles in India’s 4-1 Test series victory over England at home earlier this year. While it was the debut series for Jurel and Sarfaraz, Jaiswal had played only four Tests beforehand.
"Honestly, you don't need to speak too much to them. They're very new to Test cricket-Jaiswal, Jurel, Sarfaraz, all of them. We saw glimpses of what they can do with the bat, and Jurel, especially, with his gloves behind the stumps. They have everything required to be top players for India in all three formats. Now, obviously, with time, we have to nurture and groom them. We have to keep talking to them, which we will do," Rohit said in the pre-series press conference.
"But at the end of the day, when you're playing a sport like this, it all depends on what you think in your mind. I think they're very clear about what they want to do. They're very hungry to play cricket for India, and they are hungry for success as well."
Jaiswal was awarded Player-of-the-Series for his stunning exploits in the five-Test series against England. The left-hander amassed 712 runs at an average of 89 in the series, which included two double tons and three half-centuries. He became only the second Indian batter to aggregate 700 runs or more in a single Test series after the legendary Sunil Gavaskar.
Talking about the debutants, Sarfaraz scored three half-centuries in three Tests against England while Jurel earned the Player-of-the-Match in only his second appearance with scores of 90 and 39* in a tricky chase at Ranchi.
"Jaiswal, especially, had a great series when we played last time. Jurel showed what he is capable of with the bat, getting those runs under pressure in tough situations. Sarfaraz, too, being fearless, not worrying too much about what happens outside of it," the Indian captain stated.
Rohit Sharma was happy with the Indian team having a blend of players who are fearless, yet cautious and responsible.
"You need all kinds of players in your squad these days. It's not about just having one sort of player. You need players who are fearless, who are cautious, and at the same time, responsible as well. I think we have that mix, which is a good sign."
(With India Today Inputs)
