21-year-old Mumbai batter Yashasvi Jaiswal had a dream Test debut for India in Dominica against West Indies. In the first Test against the Caribbeans, Jaiswal scored a brilliant century and became the first Indian batter to score 150+ runs in his debut Test in an overseas match. Jaiswal scored 171 runs off 387 balls with the help of 16 boundaries and a six.
Jaiswal also became the third-highest run scorer for India in his debut innings. The record for the most runs in a debut Test match is held by Shikhar Dhawan, who scored 187 runs against Australia at home in March 2013. He is followed by India skipper Rohit Sharma, who smashed 177 runs against the West Indies in November 2013. Both of these knocks came at home, while Jaiswal hammered it in an overseas game.
Meanwhile, Jaiswal’s coach, Jwala Singh, who has witnessed his ward’s development from close quarters, has always had a firm faith that the left-handed batter would make a solid start in national colours. And the former coach is pleased to be proven right. Speaking about Jaiswal’s innings, Jwala said, “I am happy to see him grow. I had a feeling that he would start well. He has spent four good seasons in the IPL and also in domestic cricket. He has played most of the world-class bowlers under a lot of pressure, especially in the IPL.”
‘I am glad he is proving me right’ – Jaiswal’s coach Jwala Singh
“He has the idea of playing with top-quality bowlers. As a player, it is important to have the habit of making runs. As a coach, I always teach my players to see the ball and not the bowler, and to try to react to the ball well,” added Singh.”There will always be nine fielders, whatever match you play, whether it’s T20, one-day, or Test. As a batter, you need to be in the present, face each and every ball on merit, and believe in your ability. I am glad that Yashasvi is able to do this on the ground and is proving me right.”
Notably, Jaiswal will also be part of India’s T20I squad against the West Indies and will play under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. Soon after this series, he will be playing under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad in the Asian Games.
