Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Guide Yashasvi Jaiswal Amidst Struggles Against Pacers
Jaiswal’s Training Challenges
During India’s training session on Monday, after Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli took the opportunity to offer advice. Kohli observed Jaiswal’s difficulties against the pacers, as the left-handed opener struggled to manage deliveries on both sides of the bat. Kohli demonstrated techniques for handling the balls, suggesting how to better position himself and leave deliveries that were perhaps on length. Despite the brief coaching session, Jaiswal continued to face challenges when he took his position at the crease again.
Gambhir Steps In for Additional Coaching
As these challenges unfolded at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, head coach Gautam Gambhir intervened and took Jaiswal to the nets area for a focused session. Over the next 15-20 minutes, Jaiswal faced throw-downs with a focus on adjusting his stance and improving his play against the ball. Despite a stellar performance in the last Test series against England, where he scored 712 runs, Jaiswal appeared somewhat out of form. His performance in the IPL and the T20 World Cup, marked by inconsistent scores, contributed to his current struggle.
Struggles Against Pacers
Jaiswal faced not just Bumrah but also Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, who repeatedly tested his technique. Yudhvir Singh, a net bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, also challenged him. Bumrah managed to sneak a delivery between Jaiswal’s bat and pad to hit the middle stump, while Akash Deep troubled him with a delivery that moved away. These repeated issues prompted Gambhir to arrange a separate session to address Jaiswal’s difficulties.
Importance of Jaiswal for India’s Upcoming Season
With the new season starting soon, Jaiswal holds significant importance for India. His promising debut has garnered attention from players like Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, who are eager to face the 22-year-old known for his powerful hitting. With 10 Tests scheduled, Jaiswal’s performance will be crucial, particularly in light of his strong showing against England. While he demonstrated effective play against spinners on Monday, his challenges against pacers are a concern for India.
Focus on Shubman Gill and KL Rahul
In addition to Jaiswal, attention is also on Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. Gill faced scrutiny during the last Test series against England, where his performance was under pressure. A crucial second-innings century in Visakhapatnam helped him retain his spot, and he followed up with solid scores in subsequent matches. However, there remain questions about whether Gill is the best fit for the No. 3 position, especially given his struggles against in-swingers and spinners. With upcoming series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Lyon, Gill’s ability to tackle these challenges will be closely monitored. He has acknowledged working on these aspects before the Duleep Trophy.
