Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has revealed the pivotal role captain Rohit Sharma played in calming his nerves and setting the stage for his spectacular Test debut. Jaiswal announced his arrival on the international stage with a magnificent 171-run knock against the West Indies in Dominica in July 2023, a performance he credits partly to his skipper's guidance.
The Crucial Net Session Advice
In a candid conversation on sports journalist Vimal Kumar's YouTube channel, Jaiswal recalled a specific incident during practice that shaped his approach. Facing spinner Ravindra Jadeja in the nets, the left-handed batsman stepped out and launched a massive six out of the stadium. It was then that Rohit Sharma intervened with some grounded advice.
"Rohit bhai told me, 'Jaisu khel neeche se, aaramse khel. Aise marega kya?' (Jaiswal, play with ease and along the ground. Will you hit like this?)," Jaiswal recounted. Heeding his captain's words, the youngster adjusted his mindset. "Then I started playing normally. My mindset was to try to dominate and take chances according to the field set," he explained, adding that this positive intent is a philosophy he carries into domestic cricket for Mumbai as well.
Rohit's Confidence-Boosting Revelation
Perhaps the most significant confidence booster came from Rohit Sharma himself, who informed Jaiswal of his selection much earlier than expected. Jaiswal revealed that Rohit told him he would be playing about 15 days before the Test match, during the team's travel to Dominica.
"He told me that I would not tell you a day before you would be playing. So he had told me 15 days before. He told me that we would prepare together and prepare well," Jaiswal shared. The Indian captain continued to mentor him, encouraging him to play freely, back his shots, and aim for a big score once set.
Their First Interaction: A Video Call and a Dream
Jaiswal also took a trip down memory lane to describe his very first interaction with Rohit Sharma, which occurred years before his debut. It happened during a Deodhar Trophy match when Rohit was on a video call with the team.
"I was looking into the phone again and again. He asked who is this looking again and again told to give the phone," Jaiswal said with a smile. After taking the phone, Rohit inquired about his well-being, acknowledging the young prodigy's double century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In a moment that left a lasting impression, Sharma showed him a BCCI jersey in the background and told him he had to earn it. Jaiswal promised to work hard, and three years later, he fulfilled that promise by donning the coveted white jersey for India.
This revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the mentorship culture within the Indian cricket team, where experienced stalwarts like Rohit Sharma actively guide and empower the next generation, helping them transition seamlessly to the highest level.
