Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal showered praise on skipper Rohit Sharma for his game awareness. Jaiswal said nothing misses Rohit’s eyes and lauded the captain for leading from the front in a five-match Test series against England, which the hosts went on to win by 4-1.
Jaiswal laid down a perfect foundation along with Rohit for the opening alliance and played a key role in the team’s success. While Jaiswal scored 712 runs at an impressive average of 89, Rohit scored 400 runs at an average of 44.44.
Meanwhile, there was pressure on Rohit after India lost the opening Test match by 28 runs despite being in a shoo-in position. However, Rohit was able to lead with aplomb and made the most of his experience.
Jaiswal revealed that Rohit advised him to play in the V against the off-spin duo of Shoaib Bashir and Joe Root.
Jaiswal said in an interview with Indian Express, “He came and told me that in that moment that shot is not on, it will be better to hit straight. So I was trying to hit straight. I must tell you nothing misses his eyes. He knows everything. That is the biggest quality. He is aware of things and what is going on. Alag level hai, it’s so fun to be around him.”
“The way he backed players throughout this journey, the way he talks, the way he bats. Whatever happens, he will be there to stand by you. I think it’s incredible to see that in your leader. I will keep learning from him.”
Meanwhile, Jaiswal smashed England’s veteran pacer James Anderson for three consecutive sixes in the Rajkot Test. The youngster was batting on 159 and catapulted his attack on the seamer. Jaiswal also equaled Wasim Akram’s record of hitting most sixes in a Test innings – 12.
“Those shots were in my mind. I knew I could hit him when I got set. It was in my mind that when I’m on top of my game, I will get him. Get him in the sense, not only him, but any bowler. If I’m going after someone, I will go hundred percent,” said Jaiswal.
The young Indian players like Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal, Akash Deep and Dhruv Jurel were able to grab their opportunity with both hands against England.
“Some have been playing IPL for quite a while. All have played Ranji Trophy games, many didn’t have international game match experience but had decent experience behind their back,” added Jaiswal.
Jaiswal will be now seen in action while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
