'Respect everyone, but I want to be a Yashasvi Jaiswal': India opener on comparisons with Ganguly and Sehwag

Feb 15, 2024 - 14:30

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'Respect everyone, but I want to be a Yashasvi Jaiswal': India opener on comparisons with Ganguly and Sehwag

India’s new cricket sensation and explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has drawn comparisons with greats like Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly, largely due to his aggressive batting style. Reacting to him being compared to some of the best Indian cricketers of all time, Yashasvi Jaiswal said that he respects all the legends but wants to stay true to his identity.

Yashasvi Jaiswal spoke exclusively to JioCinema on this and various other topics ahead of the India vs England third Test at Rajkot.

Excerpts:

On the comparisons to legends like Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly: “I respect everyone, but I want to be a Yashasvi Jaiswal, always wanted to be a Yashasvi Jaiswal.”

On where he ranks the double century in the second Test amongst all his knocks: “Every innings has its own satisfaction, there’s a different fun to each one of them, so every time I score runs, I enjoy it.”

On how his family celebrated his knock: “We spent some time, ate and drank together, this was a moment that needed to be savoured. I had a dream that whenever I score a double century, I would celebrate it in a particular style. So, the way I celebrated, I had planned it in my mind for a long time.”

On the mental adjustments needed for a five-Test series: “I was very excited to know that it’s a five-match series. You’d have to go through different phases. Sometimes things will look smooth, sometimes they will get tough, so I was going to get a lot to learn. I would get more time to spend with the team and enjoy a lot, so that’s how I looked at it. I have really enjoyed the journey from West Indies to South Africa and back to India. So, there’s been a lot to learn and I am really enjoying it.”

On the adjustments needed to play in different conditions in the West Indies, South Africa and India: “Every place has its own culture and when we come to the Indian team, we learn those cultures. We learn from our seniors. I speak to Rohit bhai, Rahul Sir and Virat bhaiya and get as much information as I can. The conditions in the West Indies and South Africa were different. Having played in India we have an idea about the conditions. So, my aim has to be to learn and improve my game day-by-day.”

On the buzz around Bazball and whether it’s discussed in the dressing room: “We don’t discuss it. We just focus on what we can do, what processes we should follow, and how we can contribute to our team in fielding, keeping the ball shining, encouraging each other, and maintaining a positive environment.”

On ‘Jazball’, the term used, given the way he has batted in the series: “I accept whatever name is given to me with love. But, Jaiswal is my surname and I would be happy that people call me Jaiswal.”

On whether any words were exchanged with James Anderson during the second Test: “No, there was nothing as such. If there is a good ball, I need to respect it. If there is a loose ball, I need to score. He is one of the world’s great bowlers and I really enjoyed playing him.”

On switching between different formats of the game: “Both formats have different requirements. They are played at different times of the day. T20s are played in the evening, Tests during the day. The red ball seams and swings. There’s been a lot of switch between red and white ball cricket for me in the last couple of years, so I have a fair idea how to tackle these conditions. But what is common to both formats is having a good mindset. What the team requires is important, so I try to do that.”

On Shubman Gill’s praise after his double ton: “I enjoy a lot with Shubman bhai. We talk to each other a lot. We speak about cricket, friendship and life in general. He is my senior and he gives me good advice. He has the experience, he has been playing for India for a while. It’s just wonderful for me to have him around and I am really having a good time with him.”

On whether he has an open license to go out and express himself while batting: “The team management gives me freedom to go and play my shots, enjoy and express myself. But along with that, I have my responsibilities about how I need to play and how I need to build my innings.”

On his relationship with Rohit Sharma: “It’s an honour and pleasure to play with him. Walking out with him to the middle, sharing experiences and enjoying the tough times with him has been nice. There’s a lot I am learning from him. It’s really comfortable going up to him and asking a question. Even if the question is bad, he still gives good advice. Sometimes when you have a lot of questions in your mind, going up to him and getting his advice is really nice.”