Leeds: Despite his age, Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to impress with his maturity at the crease — but he’s still learning. On Day 1 of the Headingley Test against England, the 23-year-old Indian opener was seen admitting to captain Shubman Gill that he has a tendency to take unnecessary risky singles, and asked him to help keep that in check.
The candid moment occurred during the 38th over, when after hitting a boundary off Chris Woakes, Jaiswal attempted a quick single off the very next delivery — a move that could have been costly. Gill, showing leadership, instantly refused with a loud “no”. Realising his error, Jaiswal responded with a smile and said:
“Mujhko bolte rehna… meri aadat hai josh mein aane ki”
(“Keep telling me ‘no’… I have a habit of getting over-excited”).
Jaiswal, then on 57, went on to finish the over with two more boundaries, showing no signs of nerves or frustration. His composed response and self-awareness drew praise from fans and commentators alike.
A Composed Comeback Under Pressure
Jaiswal’s innings was especially significant, considering he had faced criticism after an underwhelming run in India A matches ahead of the tour. Electing to bowl first backfired for England as Jaiswal, alongside Gill, built a steady platform with a mix of solid defence and timely aggression.
Displaying sharp judgment outside off-stump and punishing overpitched deliveries with finesse, Jaiswal looked at ease. His classic drives, especially through the off-side, stood out. More importantly, he showed improved temperament, knowing when to curb his attacking instincts — a key aspect of red-ball success.
Building a Partnership of Promise
The Gill–Jaiswal stand was crucial in restoring momentum after the loss of KL Rahul (42) and debutant Sai Sudharsan (0) just before lunch. With Gill scoring at nearly a run-a-ball and Jaiswal rotating the strike while dispatching loose deliveries, the pair ensured India stayed in control.
In a team undergoing transition, especially after the Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Jaiswal’s innings sent a strong message — that he’s ready not just to fill big shoes, but to create his own mark.
Final Word
The on-field exchange between Jaiswal and Gill offered a rare insight into player dynamics, and showcased the kind of self-awareness and communication that defines strong partnerships. Jaiswal’s mix of flair, caution, and humility may well define the next era of Indian Test cricket.