The build-up to India’s first Test against England at Leeds has been all about transition. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket, the spotlight has naturally shifted to the next generation.
Among them, Yashasvi Jaiswal stands out. Not just for his numbers but for how he prepares. In English conditions known for testing even the most seasoned batters, Jaiswal’s hunger to learn has caught the attention of former coach Rahul Dravid.
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It was not a match performance that did it. It was what Jaiswal chose to do during a rainy net session in Leeds.
Rahul Dravid left in awe as Jaiswal takes on rain-hit Leeds pitch with Shami and Siraj
During India’s build-up to the 2023 World Test Championship final, Dravid was struck by Jaiswal’s fearless commitment. Despite the tough, rain-affected practice pitches in England, the youngster willingly took guard against India’s top pacers - including Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.
"Some of the practice pitches were really spicy. It had been raining, and they were not well prepared. And he was willing to go out there and bat, which for me and our other coaches was, 'Wow,'" Dravid told ESPNcricinfo.
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Dravid has seen Jaiswal evolve from his Under-19 days to the present. He praised the batter’s constant desire to improve.
He said that Jaiswal’s shot selection and batting range had significantly expanded.
"He wants to learn, he wants to improve. He wants to get better," he added.
Jaiswal has scored 700+ runs against England at home. He also had a gritty 391-run series in Australia.
But England in June is another beast. Still, what gives Jaiswal a real shot is not just talent but adaptability.
"Sometimes bat aggressively, sometimes bat defensively. That’s a really good trait," Dravid concluded.