NEW DELHI: Indian youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal openly admitted the challenges he faced during the South Africa series and credited India's captain, Rohit Sharma, for helping him maintain a positive mindset in the midst of bouncy tracks.
Despite scoring only 50 runs in 4 innings during the series, which ended in a 1-1 draw, Jaiswal's quickfire 28 off 23 balls played a crucial role in India's successful chase of 79 in the second Test at Newlands.
"Rohit Sharma helps me maintain a positive frame of mind, and we needed to score runs quickly against the new ball," said Jaiswal, highlighting Rohit's influence on his mental approach.
"I just wanted to give a good start, and that was all there in my mind as we had to win the match. In the last 3 innings and even in this knock, I had done the same thing."
Jaiswal acknowledged the learning experience of the tour, recognizing the challenges posed by the different environment and conditions.
1/9:Five shortest Tests in history: India's record-breaking victory
ANI
2/9:India's Historic Victory
India's victory in the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town broke many records, most notably becoming the shortest completed Test match in the history of the game, lasting just 642 balls.PTI
3/9:1. Shortest Match in Test Cricket
The match at Newlands was the 2,522nd Test to be played since England met Australia in Melbourne in 1877. It was also the shortest.PTI
4/9:2. Previous Shortest Test Match
South Africa were also participants in the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1932 that previously held the record as they were dismissed for a combined total of 81 across their two innings.Getty Images
5/9:3. Bridgetown Test in 1935
England secured a four-wicket win over the West Indies in January 1935 in Bridgetown in a slightly bizarre game where both sides made tactical declarations to try and make the most of the bowler-friendly conditions.Agencies
6/9:4. Old Trafford Test in 1888
WG Grace top-scored with 38 as England caught Australia on a sticky track at Old Trafford to claim an innings victory in the 1888 Ashes.Agencies
7/9:5. Lord's Test in 1888
Just six weeks earlier the boot was on the other foot as Australia beat England by 61 runs at Lord's, 27 wickets falling on the second day, which remains a record for most wickets in a single day's Test cricket.Getty Images
8/9:Record-breaking Day 1 in Cape Town
Twenty-three wickets fell on the opening day as South Africa, who elected to bat first, were shot out before lunch for just 55. India were then dismissed for 153, losing their last six wickets for zero runs.PTI
9/9:Aiden Markram' Brilliant Century
The Proteas fared marginally better in the second dig with Aiden Markram scoring a brilliant century. But India knocked off the runs for a seven-wicket win, the match lasting just 107 overs.AFP"This tour has been a learning experience for me. I've learned about improvements I need to make. The ball comes differently here, and I tried giving my all, but I accept there were challenges. This experience will keep me in good stead as I am learning and would strive to improve during the next series."
When asked about his batting style in the upcoming Test series against England, starting on January 25 in Hyderabad, Jaiswal emphasized adaptability.
"There's no particular style I want to adhere to, and it's not that I have an attacking game only. I can change my game as per the team's demands. I would bat differently if it's the first day and differently if it's the final session and 70 runs needed. I try to change my game as per the team's needs."
The 22-year-old revealed that he receives valuable tips from seniors like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on adapting his game to different situations. Coach Rahul Dravid has also provided specific technical guidance, emphasizing the importance of batting freely with a smile.
"Rahul sir told me in challenging conditions if you get beaten or get hit and are still batting out there, then you are doing well. How to leave deliveries from length, which deliveries to play," shared Jaiswal.
The best advice from coach Dravid?
"Basically, he wants me to bat freely and always with a smile."
(With inputs from PTI)
