Yashasvi Jaiswal has had a stellar start to his Test career and the young India opener says superstar Virat Kohli’s advice to be disciplined in every aspect of life is the guiding principle of his ambition to have a long international career.
The 22-year-old has already scored three centuries and eight half-centuries in just 14 Tests with an average of over 56. He is now gearing up for a trial by fire in the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia beginning in Perth on Friday.
“When I started playing senior cricket, I spoke to Virat paaji about how he manages himself,” Jaiswal told bcci.tv. “He said to me that if I have to play as long as he has,then I have to be disciplined in my daily routines and follow the process.
“I have seen him doing the stuff consistently day in and day out. He motivates me to work on myself and make a difference in my habits,”he said.
Jaiswal then elaborated on the template he follows. “I have always believed in consistency in my work. I have always had a plan when I go to practise.The focus is on recovery, to remain fresh for the next practice and taking care of my diet,”he said.
“The desire to play for India is the biggest motivation I have, really blessed to have these opportunities and ready for it,” the left-hander added.
Jaiswal echoed stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah’s confidence in the team’s ability to adapt quickly. “This is adifferent place. The ballcomes at a different height, but we all know that and we are ready mentally. I reallywant to go in, see it and be there,” he stated.
Jaiswal knows that finding opportunity in adversity is what separates the men from the boys. He believes he is up for the challenge.
“I always see this as an opportunity for me to go out there and learn. People, alot of times, talk about stuff, that this happens and that happens, but I want to go andface that stuff and want to enjoyall that with a smile, that isall I think about. Till you are not there in person, youdon’t feel what it is.”
‘Warner-like’ role
According to India’s former Test No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara, Jaiswal can play the role David Warner used to for Australia in the longest format. On numerous occasions in his career, Warner, also a left-handed batter, had laid the platform for Australia with his strong starts at the top of the order.
“Yashasvi is probably one of the most talented cricketers India has produced. And I am very confident that even going forward, he has a lot to prove, especially when playing overseas,” Pujara said atStar Sports Press Room on Thursday.
“I do believe he will play a key role in this particular series. If we have to win the series, his role is the most important one. He is someone who is an aggressive player. He can play a role like what David Warner used to for the Australian team.
“For us, I think his batting will be very important. Even in India when we were losing the (New Zealand) series, we were still in a strong position when he made runs. Being an opener, he holds the key for the Indian batting line-up.”
Given Jaiswal’s method of play, Pujara believes the youngster will be successful not just in this Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but “over time” as well. Jaiswal’s mental toughness too is his strength, Pujara believes.
“I am sure that Yashasvi will be successful. Obviously, there will be challenges throughout this series, but he is mentally tough.
“He prepares well. He hits a number of balls and loves batting. I really feel that he has a long way to go for the Indian team across formats. Not just in the Test format, but across all formats. I think he will be very successful over time.”
