Ajinkya Rahane, former India Test vice-captain and a seasoned campaigner himself, has named Yashasvi Jaiswal as the first among three Indian players he is particularly eager to watch in the upcoming five-Test Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy series in England. Rahane believes Jaiswal possesses the temperament and adaptability to succeed as an opener in English conditions, which he described as one of the toughest challenges in Test cricket.
Interestingly, Rahane’s endorsement of Jaiswal comes amid reports of a strained relationship between the two. According to India Today, their camaraderie deteriorated during the 2025 Ranji Trophy, when Jaiswal reportedly kicked Rahane’s kitbag in frustration after a defeat to Jammu and Kashmir.
The rift, allegedly stemming from criticism by Rahane and Mumbai coach Omkar Salvi, was even linked to Jaiswal’s brief decision to shift to Goa—a move he later reversed by appealing to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for reinstatement.
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Putting all that behind, Ajinkya Rahane publicly backed Jaiswal’s potential. “Opening the batting in England is a vital job,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel. “Yashasvi has the game for it. He can control one end and attack when needed. I’m excited to see how he performs.”
Rahane also named Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah as two other key players to watch. “Both are senior bowlers now and have the responsibility to lead the attack. Bumrah is a proven match-winner, but I want to see him step up even more, especially in tough situations. Winning in England is always a big achievement.”
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With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Tests, and several other seniors stepping away, the spotlight on emerging players like Jaiswal has intensified. Despite a modest tour of Australia, Jaiswal’s overall Test record remains impressive — 1,798 runs in 19 matches at an average of 52.88, including four centuries. Many feel England’s swinging conditions might suit his attacking style better, especially as he gears up to open alongside KL Rahul.
