Sunil Gavaskar Criticizes Yashasvi Jaiswal: “Your Job Was To Stay At The Crease”
Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal faced sharp criticism from cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar following his early dismissal during the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at The Gabba. On day three of the match, Jaiswal was caught by Mitchell Marsh off Mitchell Starc’s delivery, managing to score only four runs off two balls. This disappointing performance left Gavaskar disheartened, as he expected more resilience and better shot selection from the talented young batter.
A Crucial Context: Chasing 445 Runs
India’s challenge was monumental, with Australia posting an imposing first-innings total of 445. The spotlight was on India’s opening pair, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, as they faced the formidable Australian bowling attack. However, Jaiswal’s dismissal in just the second ball of India’s innings added to the pressure. Gavaskar did not mince his words, expressing his frustration with Jaiswal’s shot selection and lack of composure.
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Speaking to ABC Sport, Gavaskar remarked, “It’s not the best of shots. You are facing 445 runs; it’s important for you to get your eye in. It wasn’t even a half-volley, and you’ve tried to flick that ball away, resulting in a simple catch. Very good field placement and excellent captaincy by Pat Cummins, but that’s not the shot you expect from an opening batter in such a situation.”
Gavaskar’s Disappointment in Jaiswal’s Approach
Gavaskar’s critique centered around Jaiswal’s inability to adapt to the demands of Test cricket. He emphasized that in a scenario where the opposition has a massive lead, an opener’s priority should be to occupy the crease and provide stability to the team. “Your job for that one hour was to try and stay at the crease,” he stated. “Jaiswal, very, very disappointing.”
This was not the first time in the series that Mitchell Starc had dismissed Jaiswal, making it the third instance. Gavaskar pointed out the need for Jaiswal to strike a balance between positivity and practicality. “It’s all very well to be positive, but you also need to be practical. When the ball is new, and it’s the first over, you cannot be looking to score 25 runs off it,” he added.
The Technical Faults
Analyzing Jaiswal’s shot in detail, Gavaskar highlighted the technical error that led to his dismissal. “It wasn’t even a half-volley. I can understand if it was a half-volley; sometimes you’re unable to keep it along the ground. But it was a length ball, and you were never going to be able to keep that ball down,” he explained.
Gavaskar’s observations reflect the importance of shot selection and situational awareness in Test cricket. Jaiswal’s decision to play an aerial flick so early in the innings showcased a lack of maturity, especially against a world-class bowling attack on a challenging pitch.
Practice vs. Match Pressure
Interestingly, Jaiswal’s pre-match practice session hinted at his intentions during the game. Before India’s innings, he took throwdowns in the outfield, focusing on the whip through mid-wicket—a shot he executed flawlessly in practice. However, during the actual game, the same shot resulted in his dismissal as he attempted it aerially and directly found the fielder.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan, speaking on Fox Sports, noted this stark contrast between practice and match execution. “Five minutes before Jaiswal got out, this is the shot he practiced—that whip through mid-wicket, a wonderful shot with good balance. But in the match, he goes aerial and just flicks it. It was the pressure of the game; in practice, it’s perfect,” Vaughan commented.
Ravi Shastri Weighs In
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also shared his thoughts on the incident, emphasizing the strategic aspects of Jaiswal’s dismissal. “Can you imagine the catch being there? The man just in front of square, acres of space on the on-side, and Jaiswal hits it straight to the fielder,” Shastri said. His comments further underscored the tactical misstep in Jaiswal’s approach.
The Road Ahead for Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal is undeniably a promising talent, having shown glimpses of brilliance in his early international career. However, the pressures of Test cricket require more than just natural flair; they demand mental toughness, adaptability, and sound decision-making. Gavaskar’s criticism, though harsh, is intended to guide the young batter toward realizing his full potential.
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Test cricket is often described as a test of character, where patience and discipline are as crucial as technical skill. For Jaiswal, the lessons from this series against Australia could serve as a turning point in his career. He needs to refine his shot selection and develop the ability to handle high-pressure situations better.
Conclusion
Sunil Gavaskar’s sharp critique of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal highlights the high expectations placed on young players in international cricket. While Jaiswal’s talent is evident, his performance in the third Test underscores the importance of temperament and adaptability in the longer format of the game. As India continues to groom its next generation of cricketers, moments like these will be crucial learning experiences. For Jaiswal, the path forward involves introspection, hard work, and a commitment to evolving into a reliable opener who can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
