Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has impressed one and all with his first two outings in Test cricket in the ongoing series against the West Indies. In the first Test, the 21-year-old made his debut and celebrated with a brilliant 171-run knock.
And then in the second Test match, Jaiswal showcased the same talent and ability to score freely, as he stroked a brilliant 57 and added 139 runs with captain Rohit Sharma who made 80.
Yashasvi Jaiswal believes he’s ‘blessed’ to be able to play alongside living-legend Virat Kohli at the very onset of his career.
“It’s always great to watch him (Virat Kohli) bat and bat alongside him. He’s a legend and I’m blessed to play with him. It’s wonderful to go out with him and learn from him. There is a lot to learn from him, so keep watching what he does outside the field and on the field. It’s a pleasure to talk to him and learning from him,” he said to reporters after play on day 1.
Kohli scored 87 runs on the opening day’s play and is within touching distance of a 29th Test ton in his 500th international match appearance. India endured a rocky post-lunch session to stand at 288/4 at stumps.
The southpaw feels it a luxury that he can learn from coach Rahul Dravid, Kohli, and skipper Rohit Sharma to improve.
“Everyone has their way of telling things, and everyone has experience. So I’ll listen to everything that’s said and see what suits my game and try doing that. If I’m around people who are experienced, and they are talking, there is some thought behind it. I really like to hear them and try seeing what suits my game and try to develop my game. Getting information, experience and learning from them – small stuff – is incredible,” Jaiswal added.
Jaiswal was out chasing a wide delivery by Jason Holder and was caught by debutant Kirk McKenzie.
“Of course I’m disappointed, but it happens in cricket. I’ve to keep learning and make sure what I can do the next time I come in that situation. It’s okay, it’s cricket. “Every time the desire is to ensure how well I can contribute and play well for the team. That’s the thought in every match – to set a good platform for the team.
Whenever I bat, I always try to bat for long. There’s of course disappointment when we get out. It’s cricket, we need to keep learning what we can do next time. It’s always a pleasure to play for the country, to enjoy the pressure, to enjoy the situation, enjoy the wicket, the environment,” he added.
Jaiswal and Rohit had stitched a 229-run stand in the opening Test and 139 runs now providing a perfect platform for the rest of the batters to join.
“It’s really nice to bat with Rohit bhaiya. We always talk about the situation, how we can go forward. Of course, we have our plans. It was amazing to bat with him,” he added.
(PTI inputs)
