The anticipation for the first Test match between India and Bangladesh, set to take place in Chennai on September 19, is palpable. However, the Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal finds himself in a precarious situation as he struggles with his form ahead of this crucial match. Reports emerging from Chennai indicate that Jaiswal faced significant challenges during a recent practice session, particularly against the fierce bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and the net bowlers.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Struggles in Practice
During Monday’s practice, Jaiswal encountered consistent difficulties when facing the pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and a host of net bowlers. The training took place on a red clay pitch known for generating speed and extra bounce, factors that Bumrah capitalized on effectively. The seasoned fast bowler consistently troubled Jaiswal with deliveries outside the off stump and managed to clean bowl him twice, leaving Jaiswal visibly frustrated. Moreover, the net bowlers, including Simarjit Singh, Gurnur Brar, and Gurjanpreet Singh, added to his woes, making it increasingly challenging for Jaiswal to find his rhythm at the crease.
Support from Virat Kohli
Noticing Jaiswal’s struggles during practice, veteran batsman Virat Kohli stepped in to offer assistance. Practicing nearby, Kohli engaged with the young talent, identifying the mistakes Jaiswal was making and providing constructive feedback. Both players then took to the nets together, with Kohli sharing his insights and experience. This collaborative effort resulted in both Jaiswal and Kohli facing approximately 50 deliveries together, creating a supportive environment for the young batsman. While Jaiswal seemed to grapple with pace, he displayed greater comfort against spin bowlers, executing some impressive cut shots on the off side.
The Importance of Jaiswal’s Form for Team India
The overall form of Yashasvi Jaiswal is becoming a cause for concern for Team India as they prepare for the series against Bangladesh. Jaiswal is known for his aggressive batting style, and losing his wicket early could potentially boost the morale of the opposition. His recent performance in the Duleep Trophy, where he scored 30 and 9 runs for India B, raises additional worries about his current state. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that Jaiswal has a prolific batting record in international cricket, having amassed 1028 runs in just 9 Tests, including three centuries. This track record reinforces the belief that his difficulties during practice may have been a result of an isolated bad day.
As the Test match approaches, both Jaiswal and the Indian team will hope for a turnaround in fortune, with fingers crossed that the young opener can regain his touch and contribute significantly to India’s success against Bangladesh.
