Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal admitted that the recently concluded two-match Test series in South Africa was tough for him after it ended at 1-1 on Thursday, January 4.
Jaiswal credited India skipper and his opening partner Rohit Sharma for helping him stay positive during the Test series. He faced difficulties on bouncy tracks at Supersport Park in Centurion and Newlands in Cape Town, amassing only 50 runs in 4 innings against South Africa.
Yashasvi Jaiswal said after the Cape Town Test: “Rohit Sharma helps me maintain a positive frame of mind and we needed to score runs quickly against new ball. I just wanted to give a good start and that was all there in my mind as we had to win the match. In last 3 innings and even in this knock, I had done the same thing.”
Jaiswal admitted that he must work on how to tackle bounce and lateral movement off the surface.
He said, “Yes, this tour has been a learning experience for me. Different environment and in every sense it has been an enjoyable experience. Learnt about improvements I need to make. The ball comes differently here and I tried giving my all but I accept there were challenges. This experience will keep me in good stead as I am learning and would strive to improve during the next series.”
On being asked if he would continue his attacking style of batting in the Test series against England, the 22-year-old said: “There's no particular style I want to adhere to and it's not that I have an attacking game only. I can change my game as per team's demands.”
The left-hander further noted, “I would bat differently if it's first day and differently if it's final session and 70 runs needed. I try to change my game as per team's needs.”
Yashasvi further opened up about the suggestions he got from Indian coach Rahul Dravid.
He signed off by saying, “Rahul sir told me in challenging conditions if you get beaten or get hit and still batting out there then you are doing well. How to leave deliveries from length, which deliveries to play. Basically, he wants me to bat freely and always with a smile.”
(With PTI/FPJ Inputs)
