Yashasvi Jaiswal's dedication and willingness to learn have been turning heads ever since his Test debut for India against the West Indies, where he marked his arrival with a century. The young batsman has continued to impress, not least with a record-breaking series against England at home where he amassed over 700 runs. He also shone during India's tour of Australia, where he was the highest run-scorer for the team, accumulating 391 runs at an average of 43.44, with a top score of 161.
Now, as India prepares to face England, all eyes are on Jaiswal to see if he can replicate or even surpass his previous performances. Expectations are high, and perhaps justifiably so. In the past couple of years, Jaiswal has made remarkable progress, leading to speculation that he could become one of the next "Fab Four" in world cricket.
Jaiswal's potential was recognized early on by Rahul Dravid, both during his time with Rajasthan Royals and when Jaiswal was included as a stand-by player for India's 2023 World Test Championship final preparations. It was in England that Jaiswal truly impressed Dravid and the other coaches. Dravid recounted an instance where the practice pitches were particularly challenging due to rain, making them "really spicy" and not well-prepared. Despite these difficult conditions, Jaiswal was eager to bat, facing bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, as well as side-arm specialists. This eagerness to learn and improve made a lasting impression on Dravid and the coaching staff. Dravid noted that Jaiswal's range of shots had significantly improved since he first saw him play at the Under-19 level.
Recently, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel observed that conditions during practice sessions in England favored fast bowlers, creating a challenging environment for the batters. Morkel noted the pitches had "a little bit spicy" quality, resulting in good competition between bat and ball. He also acknowledged that several players, including Jaiswal, are embarking on their first Test series in England.
Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Jaiswal was seen actively seeking guidance from senior players like KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and coach Gautam Gambhir, engaging in detailed discussions to understand the nuances of the game and adapt his technique to face top-tier bowlers. Rohit Sharma also shared his insights with Jaiswal, focusing on refining his footwork against fast bowlers. These interactions highlight the strong team culture within the Indian camp, where experienced players readily share their knowledge to help younger players improve.
Jaiswal's journey to the international stage is a testament to his unwavering commitment and hard work. He lived in a tent to pursue his cricket dream. His dedication involves hours of batting practice and mental strength, and has made him a special talent.
In preparation for bouncy pitches, Jaiswal undertook intense training at the Thane Stadium, facing around 200 overs of throw-downs on a concrete slab positioned at an inclined angle to simulate uneven bounce. This innovative approach highlights his commitment to honing his skills and preparing for the challenges ahead.