In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has showcased remarkable talent, notably scoring 161 runs in the second innings of the Perth Test. However, his subsequent performances have been inconsistent, with scores of 0, 24, 4, and 4 not out in the following innings. Veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has observed these fluctuations and offered constructive feedback to Jaiswal.
Pujara’s Observations
Pujara noted that Jaiswal appears to be rushing his shots, particularly in the initial overs of his innings. He emphasized the importance of patience and playing deliveries on merit, especially during the first 5-10 overs. Pujara advised Jaiswal to emulate the approach of former cricketer Virender Sehwag, who, despite his aggressive style, played shots only when the ball was in his hitting zone. He suggested that Jaiswal should focus on solid defense and allow the bowlers to pitch the ball up, creating opportunities for scoring.
Comparisons with Virender Sehwag
Pujara drew parallels between Jaiswal’s aggressive intent and that of Virender Sehwag, highlighting that even Sehwag, known for his attacking play, waited for the right deliveries to execute his shots. He emphasized that Jaiswal should not rush to play shots but instead wait for the ball to be in his hitting zone, thereby reducing the risk of early dismissals.
Advice to Emulate KL Rahul’s Approach
Pujara also recommended that Jaiswal observe and learn from KL Rahul’s batting technique, particularly his ability to capitalize on fuller deliveries. He suggested that Jaiswal should focus on building his innings with solid defense, which would eventually lead to scoring opportunities as the bowlers are compelled to pitch the ball up.
Conclusion
Cheteshwar Pujara’s insights into Yashasvi Jaiswal’s batting approach underscore the importance of patience and shot selection in Test cricket. By adopting a more measured approach and learning from seasoned players like Sehwag and Rahul, Jaiswal can enhance his consistency and make significant contributions to India’s batting lineup in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.