Yashasvi Jaiswal’s stocks are on the rise in recent times. After his stunning exploits in First-Class cricket and the IPL 2023 season, the southpaw was named in India’s squad for the WTC final against Australia as a stand-by player last month.

Subsequently, Jaiswal was included in India’s 16-member squad for the two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting July 12.

Ahead of the first Test, India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has advised Jaiswal to play with freedom if he makes his debut in Dominica.

Considering his staggering numbers in domestic cricket, India are likely to name Jaiswal in the XI. The 21-year-old averages 80.21 in First-Class cricket after 26 innings with nine hundreds to his name.

“Firstly I'm really happy for him, he's a really exciting talent. He did really well in domestic cricket for Mumbai, did well in the IPL as well. Most importantly, the way he's batting in red-ball (cricket). He did well in the Duleep Trophy last year too,” Rahane told reporters.

“My message to him will be just to express his batting the way he's been batting, not to think too much about international cricket and all.

“It's all about, I think, going out in the middle and playing your game, playing with freedom. That is very important. I'm really happy for him," he added.

Since senior batter Cheteshwar Pujara has been dropped from the Test side, there is a possibility for Yashasvi Jaiswal to bat at No. 3. However, Rahane was unsure of where the young left-hander will fit in the line-up.

"Definitely there's an opportunity for who will be playing in place of Pujara. It’s a great opportunity for that individual to do well.

"I'm not sure who is going to play at number three, but whoever will play, I'm sure that guy will do well.”

(With ICC Inputs)