Yashasvi Jaiswal began his first tour of Australia in style, scoring a magnificent 161 in India’s second innings in Perth. However, the young left-hander struggled to replicate that form in Adelaide and Brisbane, with low scores, including a first-ball duck. While Jaiswal has shown immense promise since his Test debut in 2023 and excelled in a home series against England earlier this year, adapting to the challenging Australian conditions has proven tough for the 22-year-old.
As the Indian team prepares for the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Jaiswal will be keen to regain his rhythm and contribute significantly. Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara, known for his resilience and technical expertise, offered valuable advice for the talented opener.
Speaking to Star Sports, Cheteshwar Pujara observed that Jaiswal appears to be rushing his innings against the Australians and emphasized the importance of patience and shot selection. “He needs to give himself a bit more time. Right now, it looks like he is in a hurry to score runs. He wants a quick start, aiming for those first 15–20 runs too quickly. He should focus on playing the ball on its merit, especially in the first 5–10 overs,” Pujara said.
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Pujara drew comparisons to legendary opener Virender Sehwag, noting that even aggressive players wait for the ball to be pitched in their zone before attacking. “Jaiswal seems to be forcing his shots, driving balls that aren’t pitched up. He needs to learn to respect the bowler and play shots when the ball is in the hitting zone,” he added.
The seasoned batter stressed the importance of composure and a strong defensive game in Australian conditions. “If Jaiswal can show confidence in his defense and spend more time at the crease, bowlers will eventually pitch fuller, presenting scoring opportunities. By defending well early on, he can force the bowlers to adjust, creating chances to drive and capitalize,” Pujara concluded.
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Jaiswal’s ability to adapt and apply these lessons will be crucial as he seeks to make a mark in the remainder of the series. With his immense talent and willingness to learn, the young opener has the potential to succeed on Australia’s challenging pitches.