Yashasvi Jaiswal exclusive interview: ‘Whatever happens, Rohit Sharma will be there to stand you’ | Cricket News

In the span of seven weeks, Yashasvi Jaiswal transformed from a bright young potential to the new torchbearer of India’s batting. His immaculate body of work in the series against England—712 runs at 79.91 including a pair of double centuries compiled with a blend of youthful aggression and technical rectitude—not only fueled India’s comeback and the dismantling of Bazball, but also set his destiny rolling. But he remains firmly grounded and has already turned his focus to the IPL. Yashasvi Jaiswal takes The Indian Express through his journey in the series:
Yashasvi Jaiswal: It’s a great feeling, I’m happy but I want to be more focused, so that I can do well for my team. I’m not thinking about anything today. I want to take one match at a time. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, so I don’t want to think too much.
Did you feel high after scoring 700 odd runs?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: No, in cricket one has to grind on a daily basis. I don’t take success and failure to my head. It’s an uncertain game. I enjoy the success and learn from it why it was good. When I fail, I try to learn what I can do to improve it.
You just seem to love your batting. Someone had to literally take you out of even the nets…
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Yes, woh toh hai (that is true). I love batting and feel I’m really lucky that I’m getting to do what I love the most. I’m really blessed that god has been kind enough to give me this opportunity and I want to make it count. I want to work hard, give my 100 percent. I have the confidence that I have worked enough for it. I can sleep well when I bat well in the nets. It’s a process, be it batting, eating, or lening to people on how they became great. Be punctual, disciplined and consent. If I have to play five Test matches, then I need to sleep well, eat well, and be on the ground on time. It’s like a routine and I don’t want to break that routine.
How did you prepare mentally for the series? Are you someone who watches and analyses the bowlers before the game?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: I didn’t do much because I was already playing in South Africa. I was in a good zone. I got to learn a lot from South Africa and it was a good experience. I was trying to make sure that if I get set, I score big runs. It was the only thing crossing my mind.
You had an appetite for scoring big runs?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: When I walk to the crease, the only thing I keep telling myself is that I want to finish this game. Want to win this for my team. In Test cricket, one gets time to prepare for the game and plan.
When you plan to go on the offensive, you strike with a lot of power. How much of it is down to the influence of power and range hitting?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: I have that range and thanks to T20 cricket and Zubin Bharucha sir, who has helped me to improve my game. It has been three or four years since I have been working with him. Thanks to Rajasthan Royals that they provide me a platform where I can go and practice for endless number of days. At the same time, I have been playing with the Indian team for the past nine months and there I speak to Rohit Sharma sir and Rahul Dravid sir a lot. That has helped me improve my game a lot. It helped me to understand the game situation, how I can be there for a long time, and make sure I play all my shots and enjoy the game.
Rohit keeps saying in the media that ‘let Jaiswal be, let him score’ as if he doesn’t want to put any nazar on you saying you are doing great. How is he in the dressing room with you?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: It’s so good to have him there inside the dressing room. It has been great to play under him. There are a lot of moments which I don’t want to disclose at the moment. Let it be with me. The way he backed players throughout this journey, the way he talks, the way he bats. Whatever happens, he will be there to stand you. I think it’s incredible to see that in your leader. I will keep learning from him.
Yashasvi Jaiswal plays a shot on the fourth day of the third Test between England and India in Rajkot. (AP Photo)
Did you read what Ben Duckett said about you?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: I don’t want to say anything about it. I just need to try and do whatever I can do on the ground that says the best I can do.
When Bashir and Root were tossing up the ball full and outside off, you would square-drive and mime it. Rohit then told you ‘bhai udhar mat maar’ and showed the bat straight down the ground. In the same over (off Bashir), you hit three fours to the straight boundary past Rohit! Can you elaborate?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: 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.
Any particular moment with Dravid, a tip or advice that stands out?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Dravid sir keeps supporting us. He will walk in and keep talking to us. He will be asking ‘kya chal raha hai dimag mein (what is going in your mind)?’ He makes sure I can speak to him and get the right information for the game. He gives that spirit, he gives us that confidence that we will do it. He will tell us to enjoy the game, and be aware of the situation. I keep all these messages in my mind when batting.
Did it ever cross the team mind that there are so many new players in the team playing a good English side?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: No. 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.
Did you feel any pressure?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: There is pressure in every game. I enjoyed it. I’m really happy with the way I have played throughout the series. I have played at different venues and batted in different ways. I trust my belief and back myself. It helps me a lot.
Ben Stokes high-fived after the 200 at Rajkot. How is your relationship with him?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: I have played with him in Rajasthan Royals and know him a little, that’s it.
You hit three successive sixes off James Anderson in Rajkot?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: 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.
Jos Buttler expressed his happiness on your maturity. Did you stay in touch with him?
Yes, thoda bahut (a lot). I will meet him when I join Rajasthan Royals. He is a good guy.