Yashasvi Jaisal is part of the Indian squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa. He also played in the T20I series and was rested for the ODI series. The left-hander made his Test debut against the West Indies earlier this year.
Jaiswal had had a great start to his international career with Test and T20I hundreds under his belt. He is yet to make his ODI debut but is considered a long-termer and someone who will serve Indian cricket for a long time.
Ahead of this Test series against South Africa, Jaiswal is fit and has some runs in the T20I series. Considering how he has structured his game, Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian captain, said that he has the technique and quality to thrive in South African conditions.
“Yes, it will be a test for him. But I do believe that he also has the ability to thrive under these conditions. What I have seen from him in Test matches is that he plays the ball very late, his head is very still and he gets into the line quite well. He doesn’t look to rush to the ball. He plays very late, he loves to give himself time in the middle,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
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Yashasvi Jaiswal needs to bowl first 12 overs: Sunil Gavaskar
The former Indian captain said the left-hander can dictate the conditions if he survives the first hour of the morning session.
“He’s a good short ball player, he’s not afraid to play the drag shot. I think when using the Kookaburra ball in places like South Africa and Australia, the first 12 overs are important because the ball doesn’t do anything after that. If you survive 12 overs, no one can get you out if you are a good batsman. That’s what Yashasvi has to tell himself. If you can be good for the first 10-12 overs, you can make big runs,” Gavaskar added.
Ahead of the Test series, India leveled the T20I series with Suryakumar Yadav and won the ODI series with KL Rahul. Rohit Sharma will now return to the team to lead the Test series. Earlier, during the 2021-22 tour, India lost the Test series 2-1 and were whitewashed in the ODI series.
Things right now are different as the Indian team seems to be the stronger of the two teams and has all their players fit and available. Veteran players are also back. Meanwhile, South Africa have some issues with Kagiso Rabada doubtful for the first Test and there are also injury concerns with Anrich Notje.
Centurion will host the first test from December 26 to 30. Cape Town will host the second test from January 3 to 7. The Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
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