Mumbai Ranji Trophy captain Siddhesh Lad has revealed that India Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has started practising wicketkeeping as he looks to add another dimension to his game. The 24-year-old is currently preparing for the upcoming domestic red-ball season before joining India’s plans for the Test series against New Zealand.
Pictures of Jaiswal practising behind the stumps have emerged ahead of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. Apart from wicketkeeping, the left-handed batter has also bowled leg-spin during India’s net sessions and has occasionally rolled his arm over in matches.
Jaiswal is set to feature for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium, beginning October 11. However, his availability for Mumbai will be limited, with the opener expected to leave the domestic setup after the first game because of national commitments. Mumbai’s next match against Chandigarh is scheduled to begin on October 18.
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Speaking to PTI, Siddhesh Lad confirmed that Jaiswal has been putting in extra work with the gloves. “He is someone who has started practising keeping wickets because he feels he wants to add something more to his game. I am not very sure what his intentions are, but right now he is practising keeping wickets and if he keeps practising, he will get used to it,” Lad said.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has started training for upcoming Ranji Trophy 🏆
— He is seriously considering his Keeping and Bowling skills 😻 https://t.co/ozqiV01z3j
— Team Yashasvi Jaiswal (@yashasvi_j) October 7, 2026
“Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been working on wicketkeeping as a back-up skill to batting and leg-spin.
I am not very sure on what his intentions are but right now he is practising a lot and I am sure that if he will keep practising he will get used to it.”
– Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad on Thursday.
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) October 8, 2026
Jaiswal is also expected to get valuable red-ball preparation with India A ahead of the New Zealand Test series. He will feature in three matches on the shadow tour, with the first game scheduled in Lincoln from October 26.
India A will leave for New Zealand on October 16, with another match scheduled at Hagley Oval in Christchurch before the tour concludes in Lincoln on November 10.
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India’s senior team will then face New Zealand in a two-Test series from November 19 to December 1 in Wellington and Christchurch. The series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle and will mark India’s first Test tour of New Zealand since 2020. Jaiswal is believed to have kept wickets for around 10 overs during one of Mumbai’s practice matches, adding further intrigue to his growing list of cricketing skills.
